In a shocking incident highlighting the audacity of cyber criminals, a 70-year-old retired bank employee from Lucknow was subjected to a harrowing six-hour 'digital arrest' by fraudsters impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials. The victim, identified as Inderjeet Singh, was rescued only after his alarmed family alerted the local police.
The Terrifying Phone Call That Started the Ordeal
The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at Singh's residence in Sindhunagar, Krishnanagar. Around 2 pm, Singh, who was alone at home, received a call from individuals claiming to be CBI officers. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Krishna Nagar, Rajneesh Verma, detailed that the callers immediately launched into serious accusations against the senior citizen.
"The fraudsters alleged that he was involved in circulating obscene videos," said ACP Verma. "To intensify the fear, they then connected his name to hawala transactions and links with prominent personalities, declaring that his phone was under surveillance." This tactic of layering false charges is designed to create maximum psychological pressure on the victim.
How the 'Digital Arrest' Was Enforced
The scam involved sophisticated intimidation to isolate the victim. Station House Officer (SHO) Pradhuman Singh explained that the criminals used relentless pressure to keep Inderjeet Singh continuously engaged on the call. They effectively cut off his access to his family, creating a virtual prison.
Recounting the trauma, the victim stated, "The callers claimed they were calling from Mumbai's Tilak Nagar. By posing as senior investigating officers, they frightened me. I was psychologically trapped and coerced." This state of forced, continuous communication, where the victim is too afraid to disconnect or contact anyone else, is what law enforcement terms a 'digital arrest.'
Family's Alertness Leads to Timely Rescue
The situation took a positive turn when Singh's family grew concerned after he stopped responding to their calls. Sensing something was gravely wrong, they promptly approached the Krishna Nagar police. The police intervention was crucial in breaking the scammer's hold and rescuing Inderjeet Singh from the virtual clutches of the fraudsters after six agonizing hours.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in cyberspace, especially targeting vulnerable seniors. Authorities urge the public to be vigilant and verify the identity of anyone making such threatening calls, as no legitimate agency conducts investigations or arrests in this manner over the phone.
