Daijiworld Media Network – Pune

Pune, Oct 19: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 70-year-old man from Pune was duped of Rs 1.44 crore after being placed under a so-called ‘digital arrest’ by cyber criminals posing as officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), police said on Saturday.

According to the FIR registered at the Pune Cyber Police Station, the victim’s ordeal began on September 23 when he received a phone call from a man claiming to be an inspector from Mumbai. The caller told the victim that the Lucknow unit of the ATS had arrested a terrorist who had used bank accounts in the complainant’s name for terror-related activities.

“Later, another person wearing a police uniform appeared on a video call and informed the victim that the case would be investigated further by the NIA chief. The victim was instructed to keep the video call active throughout. Out of fear, he transferred Rs 1.44 crore into the bank accounts of the fraudsters,” a police official said.

On October 8, the fraudsters contacted the man again and demanded an additional Rs 3 lakh. However, sensing something suspicious, the victim approached the cyber police and filed a complaint.

A case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police have launched an investigation to trace the culprits behind the elaborate online scam.

Officials have once again urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid responding to unknown callers claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies.