Gandhinagar: In a shocking case of cybercrime, a 65 year old retired teacher from Sector 8 was defrauded of 99 lakh after being kept under "digital arrest" for 28 days. The fraudsters, posing as central agency officials, managed to keep the victim in confinement within her home through psychological manipulation and fear.

The ordeal began on January 16 when the victim received a call from an individual claiming that a SIM card registered in her name was being used for illegal activities and issuing threats. Shortly after, another person identifying himself as 'Ajay Gupta,' a CBI officer, contacted her via video call. He alleged that her bank accounts were linked to a high profile money laundering accused and warned of her imminent arrest.

To make the scam appear authentic, the perpetrators sent forged arrest warrants and fake Supreme Court documents via WhatsApp. Under the pretext of a "secret investigation," they instructed her not to contact anyone or leave her house. For 28 days, she was forced to send messages every hour to update them on her whereabouts, effectively placing her under digital custody.

Between February 5 and February 13, the fraudsters convinced the victim to transfer her savings from her SBI and Post Office accounts for "verification." They promised that the funds would be returned once she was cleared of charges. Terrified of legal consequences, the retired teacher transferred a total of 99 lakh in multiple installments.

The victim realized she had been scammed when the suspects stopped responding and the money was not returned. She subsequently reported the matter to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). Police officials have reiterated that no government agency conducts arrests via video calls or demands money transfers for verification, urging citizens to report such suspicious interactions immediately.