A 90-year-old retired Indian Air Force doctor in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior has allegedly been defrauded of nearly Rs 2.5 crore after cyber criminals subjected him to what investigators describe as a prolonged “digital arrest,” keeping him under psychological pressure for about 25 days.
According to the complaint filed with police, the incident began on January 25 when the elderly doctor received a phone call from an individual posing as an official connected to an investigating agency. The caller claimed that the doctor’s identity documents had been misused in illegal activities and warned him of imminent arrest and serious legal consequences. The fraudsters allegedly invoked the names of multiple law enforcement agencies to make the threat appear credible and to create fear.
Under the guise of an ongoing “online surveillance” or verification process, the accused maintained continuous contact with the victim through video calls and repeated communications. The sustained interaction reportedly created the impression that the doctor was part of an official legal procedure. He was allegedly instructed to maintain strict confidentiality and warned not to inform family members, with the callers claiming that disclosure could worsen his legal situation.
Police said the fraudsters exploited the victim’s advanced age and isolation, applying constant mental pressure over several weeks. Gradually, they convinced him to transfer large sums of money to multiple bank accounts as part of what they described as a required legal or investigative process. Over nearly 25 days, the doctor allegedly transferred approximately Rs 2.5 crore.
The fraud came to light only after bank officials noticed unusually large and frequent transactions from the account and flagged them as suspicious. When the bank manager questioned the transfers, the victim explained the circumstances and realised he had been deceived. He subsequently approached the office of the Superintendent of Police and lodged a formal complaint.
Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh confirmed that the victim had been threatened with legal action during the initial call and manipulated into transferring money after being made to believe he was under official investigation. Authorities stated that the complaint was registered once the bank’s intervention helped the victim recognise the scam.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the accused and track the flow of funds. The incident highlights a growing pattern of cyber fraud cases in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials and use intimidation tactics such as so-called “digital arrest” to psychologically coerce victims into transferring money.
