Former Aligarh Mayor Targeted in Sophisticated Cyber Fraud
In a shocking case of digital deception, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Aligarh mayor Shakuntala Bharti along with her husband were subjected to what she describes as a three-day "digital arrest" by individuals posing as Delhi Police officers. The fraudsters demanded a staggering Rs 50 lakh to settle a fabricated financial fraud case, according to a police complaint filed on November 8, 2025.
The Ordeal Begins with WhatsApp Call
The harrowing experience began on November 3 when Bharti received a WhatsApp call from a man claiming to be a Delhi Police officer. The caller informed her that during an investigation in Mumbai, her Aadhaar card had been discovered linked to a nationalized bank account through which substantial amounts of money had been allegedly transacted illegally.
"He informed me that a case of financial fraud was registered and that I could face imminent arrest," Bharti recounted. The fraudsters instructed her to maintain complete secrecy about the situation and kept her engaged on continuous video calls for three consecutive days, effectively placing her under digital confinement.
Multiple Fraudsters Coordinate Attack
Over the following two days, multiple individuals posing as police officials contacted Bharti from different phone numbers, systematically escalating their demands while maintaining the facade of authority. They provided detailed instructions and reinforced the need for confidentiality throughout the ordeal.
"They claimed my account had been misused for obtaining a loan and that this constituted a serious fraud case," Bharti explained. The situation escalated when the fraudsters ultimately demanded Rs 50 lakh to dilute the fabricated case, a demand that Bharti and her husband firmly refused to comply with.
Police Action and Investigation
Following their refusal to pay the demanded amount and growing suspicion about the authenticity of the calls, Bharti and her husband approached the Delhi Police on Wednesday night to file an official complaint. The police have since registered a First Information Report against unidentified persons and launched a comprehensive investigation.
Ravindra Kumar, Station House Officer of Delhi Gate police station in Aligarh, confirmed that authorities are actively working to trace the phone numbers used in the fraudulent calls. "We are currently verifying details of the phone numbers and bank accounts mentioned in the complaint," Kumar stated, adding that a thorough investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber crimes targeting high-profile individuals and underscores the need for increased public awareness about digital security threats posing as law enforcement authorities.
