Bengaluru private firm employee held under ‘digital arrest’ loses ₹5.4 lakh
The Hindu
24-year-old woman extorted ₹5.4 lakh by gang posing as TRAI and Mumbai police, causing emotional and financial distress.
A 24-year-old employee of a private firm from Indiranagar here became the latest victim of a “digital arrest” where a gang posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Mumbai crime branch officials blackmailed her with a fake case and extorted ₹5.4 lakh which was part of the insurance money she had received after the death of her father.
The accused targeted the victim using Skype and WhatsApp calls, holding her “digitally arrested” for over 24 hours until she shared her bank details.
The gang managed to access her personal data and blackmailed her into performing humiliating acts, including dancing for them via video, while subjecting her to body shaming, said the police.
The amount, which had been part of the insurance settlement intended to help her family recover financially, was transferred online after threatening her with arrest and legal procedure.
The trauma caused by this ordeal has left the victim devastated, with the psychological toll of the abuse compounded by the emotional distress of losing a significant sum meant for her future security, said the police.
In her complaint, the victim said she received a call on Wednesday and the caller introduced himself as an officer with the TRAI. The caller informed her mobile number would get deactivated within two hours as they found other numbers in her name that were being used for illegal activities and a complaint had been filed with the Mumbai crime branch.
Before the victim could recover from the shock, she received a WhatsApp call from a man posing as a Mumbai police officer informing her that her Aadhaar card had been used to take multiple illegal bank accounts that are being used for money laundering and human trafficking.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.
Bengaluru police questioned a man carrying ₹6 lakh for medical expenses at Vidhana Soudha, later releasing him after verification.
BJP accuses Bengaluru's Congress government of corruption in e-Khata issuance, halting infrastructure projects due to financial mismanagement.
Misinformation in Hyderabad sparks panic buying, causing disruptions as residents react to unfounded rumors of an impending lockdown.
Bengaluru Metro extends services until 2 a.m. on March 28 for IPL match, ensuring convenient travel for spectators.
A bus truck-collision in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district, killing several. Catch LIVE updates here!