Digital arrest: Retd IAF officer duped of 2.5cr

Bhopal: Cyber fraudsters cheated a 92-year-old retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer in Gwalior of Rs 2.5 crore by keeping him under "digital arrest" for nearly 25 days, police said. Police said callers posing as officials from investigating agencies told him he was under "digital surveillance" and instructed to cooperate in a confidential inquiry.

The victim, Narayan Mahadev Tikekar, a retired IAF radiologist residing in Windsor Hills, lived with his wife. His son had passed away, while his daughter and daughter-in-law were settled abroad.




Police said the ordeal began on Jan 28 with a WhatsApp video call from a man claiming to be a senior officer of a central investigating agency. During repeated video calls, they staged what appeared to be a courtroom setting, with individuals posing as judges, lawyers and police officers.

Between Feb 4 and 19, he transferred Rs 2,52,16,000 in five instalments. Police said the funds were raised by prematurely breaking fixed deposits and redeeming mutual fund investments.

Police said the deception unravelled when the officer approached his bank to verify the document. A complaint was lodged with the Crime Branch on Feb 23.