90-year-old retired Air Force doctor loses Rs 2.5 crore in digital arrest

Gwalior: A 90-year-old retired Air Force doctor in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly duped of approximately Rs 2.5 crore after being kept under “digital arrest” for nearly 25 days by cyber fraudsters. 

According to the complaint, the doctor received a phone call on January 25 from an individual claiming to be associated with an investigating agency. The caller alleged that the doctor’s official documents had been misused in illegal activities and warned him of imminent arrest and legal consequences.

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According to a report by India Today, the fraudsters told the doctor he was under an “online surveillance” process and maintained constant contact through video calls and repeated communication. He was allegedly instructed not to disclose the matter to his family on the grounds of confidentiality and potential legal repercussions.

The accused took advantage of his advanced age and emotional vulnerability and subjected him to sustained psychological pressure for nearly 25 days. During this period, he was gradually persuaded to transfer substantial amounts of money into multiple bank accounts, totalling around Rs 2.5 crore.

The fraud came to light when bank officials flagged the unusually high-value transactions. When the bank manager questioned the doctor regarding the purpose of the transfers, the doctor explained the circumstances and realised that he had been deceived. He subsequently approached the office of the Superintendent of Police to lodge a formal complaint.

Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh confirmed that the retired Air Force officer had received the initial call on January 25, during which the caller mentioned the names of various agencies and alleged involvement in a serious fraud to intimidate him. A significant sum was subsequently transferred from his account. The complaint was formally registered after the bank’s intervention prompted the victim to recognise the scam. Police have now registered a case, and further investigation is underway.

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