Under ‘digital arrest’, retd subedar, wife duped of Rs 82.5 lakh by fraudsters posing as CBI officers

Lucknow: In a ‘digital arrest’ case, a retired Subedar and his wife were defrauded of Rs 82.50 lakh in Rae Bareli.

Police said fraudsters impersonated staff of central agencies and subjected the couple to prolonged psychological coercion under virtual surveillance.

The investigation has so far revealed strong operational links of the gang to West Bengal, with financial trails leading to multiple bank accounts in Barrackpore.

Police said the crime unfolded over six days between April 12 and April 18, during which the accused posed as officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation and contacted the elderly couple via phone and digital platforms. Using a scripted and highly intimidating approach, the fraudsters falsely accused the victims of being involved in financial irregularities, illegal asset possession and even links to terrorist activities.

To make the threat appear credible, the gang reportedly kept the couple under continuous “digital arrest” — a tactic where victims are isolated, constantly monitored through calls or video links and prevented from contacting outsiders. The accused warned the couple that any attempt to disconnect or inform others would lead to immediate arrest and legal action against their entire family.

Under intense mental pressure and fear of legal consequences, the victims were coerced into transferring money in multiple instalments to bank accounts allegedly linked to branches in Barrackpore.

The incident surfaced on April 20 when the retired Subedar lodged a complaint. Acting swiftly, authorities coordinated with banks and managed to freeze approximately Rs 31 lakh in suspected beneficiary accounts, preventing further loss.

Superintendent of Police, Rae Bareli, Ravi Kumar, said that three specialised teams have been constituted to crack the case. These teams have been dispatched to West Bengal to identify the accused, verify account holders and dismantle the network.

Superintendent of Police, Rae Bareli, Ravi Kumar said that three specialised teams have been constituted to crack the case. These teams have been dispatched to West Bengal, to identify the accused, verify account holders, and dismantle the network.
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