Elderly Woman in Kalyan Loses Rs 73.30 Lakh to Sophisticated Cyber Fraud Racket
In a distressing incident highlighting the rise of cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals, an 82-year-old woman from Kalyan (West) was swindled of Rs 73.30 lakh by a highly organised criminal syndicate. The fraudsters employed psychological manipulation and fear tactics, falsely linking her to terrorism to execute the elaborate scam.
Scammers Use Terror Allegations to Instill Panic
The elderly victim was contacted by individuals posing as law enforcement and investigative officials through multiple phone numbers. One caller, identifying himself as "Vijay Khanna", accused her of being under scrutiny for alleged involvement in terror funding and money laundering activities. To escalate the pressure, the fraudsters claimed that a mobile SIM card issued in her name was being used by a terrorist linked to the Pakistan Army, with connections to the Pathankot attacks, causing her to panic and comply with their demands.
Digital Arrest Tactics Isolate Victim
In a cruel twist, the accused placed the woman under "digital arrest", a method where victims are isolated and continuously monitored via video calls. This tactic prevented her from reaching out to family members or authorities, leaving her vulnerable and under constant surveillance. Under threats of severe legal consequences, she was coerced into "cooperating" with the fake investigation.
Bank Transfers Under Duress Over Four Days
The fraudsters convinced the senior citizen that her bank accounts needed verification to prove her innocence. Acting out of fear, she transferred a total of Rs 73.30 lakh through multiple RTGS transactions to bank accounts provided by the accused via WhatsApp. These transactions occurred over a span of four days, from April 6 to April 10, 2026, demonstrating the prolonged and manipulative nature of the scam.
Police Investigation Underway with No Arrests Yet
Following the incident, the Mahatma Phule Chowk police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including provisions for cheating, impersonation, and online fraud. Authorities are currently tracing the bank accounts and digital footprints of the accused, but no arrests have been made so far, and further investigation is ongoing.
Authorities Issue Public Warning Against Such Scams
Senior police officers have reiterated warnings to citizens, emphasizing that no government agency conducts investigations or demands money through phone or video calls. They urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications immediately to prevent similar frauds.
