Ex-Air Force doctor, 90, loses Rs 2.5 crore after 25-day digital arrest
India Today
A 90-year-old retired Air Force doctor in Gwalior was allegedly duped of Rs 2.5 crore after cyber fraudsters kept him under a "digital arrest" for 25 days.
A 90-year-old retired Air Force doctor in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior was allegedly duped of around Rs 2.5 crore after allegedly being kept under a digital arrest for nearly 25 days.
According to the complaint, he received a phone call on January 25 from a person claiming to be associated with an investigating agency. The caller alleged that the doctor’s documents had been used in illegal activities and threatened him with arrest and legal action.
Under the pretext of an “online surveillance” process, the fraudsters kept him under constant pressure through video calls and regular contact. They created an atmosphere that made the doctor believe he was undergoing an official procedure. Citing confidentiality and legal consequences, he was allegedly instructed not to inform his family about the matter.
Taking advantage of his age and isolation, the accused reportedly subjected him to sustained mental pressure and gradually convinced him to transfer large sums of money into different bank accounts. Over the course of nearly 25 days, approximately Rs 2.5 crore was transferred.
The fraud came to light after bank officials flagged the unusually high-value transactions. When questioned by the bank manager about the reason for transferring such a large amount, Narayan Mahadev explained the situation and realised that he had fallen victim to cyber criminals. He subsequently approached the Superintendent of Police’s office and lodged a formal complaint.
Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh said that the 90-year-old retired Air Force officer had received a call on January 25. The caller told him that his documents had been used to commit a serious fraud and invoked the names of different agencies to intimidate him. A large amount of money was then transferred from his account. The complaint was filed after the bank manager questioned the transactions and the victim understood that he had been cheated.
As Parliament prepares to bring amendments to the Transgender Act, activists warn the proposed changes risk rolling back years of hard-won rights.
A high-speed boat crash in the Maldives has left two Indians missing, including a celebrated rally figure, even as Gautam Singhania returns home. Search teams continue efforts amid mounting concern and unanswered questions.
A prominent seer, Pranavananda Swamiji, alleged that mutts backing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post were denied any allocation in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He reiterated his support for Shivakumar to take over as the chief minister.
India's original Dhurandhar, Ravindra Kaushik, rose from acting at college theatres, to infiltrating the Pakistan Army as a RAW Agent. He provided critical intelligence on Pakistani troop movements and the country's nuclear programme, but died a lonely death after his betrayal and subsequent capture by the ISI.
According to the police, 19-year-old Sachin Dharmendrabhai Chaudhary, who works as a labourer, had borrowed the money before expressing his inability to repay it immediately, police said. He was allegedly threatened with his life over the delay in repayment. Fearing for his life, Sachin immediately alerted the police.
A quiet arrest in Rajasthan has unravelled a wider espionage network, linking an Air Force employee to Pakistani handlers. Investigators say the trail began months ago and may reach deeper than first believed.
A 36-year-old woman plotted to murder her mother-in-law with the help of her 21-year-old lover. The murder plot was exposed by CCTV installed inside the house.
A former village pradhan who had been missing since March 18 was found dead in a sack near a canal in Pratapgarh. Police have arrested his lover, claiming she carried out the murder with accomplices.
From a Kashmiri widow parting with her late husband's cherished jewellery to children emptying their piggy banks, a wave of generosity is emerging across India as citizens step up to support people affected by the escalating conflict in Iran.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conducted an on-site review of preparations at Noida International Airport ahead of its March 28 inauguration by PM Narendra Modi, directing officials to ensure seamless arrangements, robust security and world-class execution.