A shocking case of cyber fraud surfaced in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town area when a woman fell victim to a “digital arrest” scam and lost Rs 30 lakh.
Fraudsters posed as officials from TRAI and later claimed to be Mumbai Colaba Police officers. They contacted the victim through phone and WhatsApp video calls, showing fake arrest warrants and threatening immediate arrest in an Enforcement Directorate case. They instructed her to remain on video call continuously, avoid outside contact, and transfer funds for a so-called audit.
Out of fear, the victim and her husband visited the SBI Lewis Road Branch and transferred ₹30 lakh into multiple accounts provided by the fraudsters. The complainant, Narasingha Prasad Bohidar, later reported the matter to the Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police.
Investigators traced the accused to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Police arrested Gulipagi Chiranjeevi, who allegedly orchestrated the scam. Officers seized two mobile phones, an ATM card, a chequebook, a PAN card, and an Aadhaar card during the operation. The accused was forwarded to court, and the investigation continues.
Authorities urged citizens to remain cautious against digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials and exploit fear to extort money. Police emphasised verifying such claims and contacting local stations immediately instead of complying with fraudulent instructions.
