Hyderabad Retired Judge Defrauded of 1.66 Crore in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 73-year-old retired district judge from Hyderabad was swindled out of 1.66 crore rupees by criminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) personnel. The elaborate scam involved threats of arrest in fabricated cases, leading the victim to transfer funds under duress.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Timeline of Deception
The incident began on February 23 when the retired judge, residing in Neredmet, received a phone call from a man claiming to be senior CBI officer Deepak Kumar. The caller alleged that two mobile numbers linked to the victim's Aadhaar card were being used to make objectionable calls to women, and an FIR had been filed against him at Indiranagar police station in Bengaluru.
Subsequently, another fraudster joined the conference call, introducing himself as circle inspector Gourav Saradhi. He escalated the intimidation by asserting that the former judge was also accused in a human-trafficking case, creating a sense of panic and confusion.
Escalation of Threats and Manipulation
The impostors further claimed that a non-bailable warrant had been issued against the victim by the Supreme Court. They instructed him to draft a letter admitting that his Aadhaar had been misused, while sternly warning him not to discuss the matter with anyone, including family or friends. This isolation tactic is common in such scams to prevent victims from seeking help.
The intimidation reached a new level when a woman posing as senior CBI officer Archana Ramasundaram contacted the victim through WhatsApp video calls. She displayed a document bearing the Supreme Court emblem, adding a veneer of authenticity to the fraud. Accusing him of money laundering, human trafficking, and identity theft, the gang demanded details of his bank accounts for a so-called 'financial assessment', falsely promising that the money would be refunded after the inquiry.
Financial Loss and Police Action
Fearing arrest and reputational damage, the retired judge complied with the demands. Between February 25 and March 2, he transferred 1.66 crore rupees from his three bank accounts in four separate transactions to different accounts specified by the fraudsters. The promised refund never materialized, prompting the victim to finally confide in friends, who helped him realize he had been deceived.
On the victim's complaint, the Malkajgiri cybercrime police registered a case on Friday. The charges include Sections 316(2) for criminal conspiracy, 318(4) for cheating, 319(2) for cheating by personation, 338 for forgery of valuable security, and 308(2) for punishment for extortion under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act for identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This case highlights the growing sophistication of digital arrest scams targeting vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens and professionals. Cybercriminals often exploit fear and authority to manipulate victims into transferring large sums. Authorities urge the public to verify such calls independently and report suspicious activities immediately to prevent financial losses.
The investigation is ongoing, with police working to trace the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness and vigilance against impersonation frauds in the digital age.
