06 May,2026 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Retired banker trapped for 54 days in cyber fraud. Representational Image
A retired manager of the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank, Rajendra, from Bhandup, was allegedly trapped in a 54-day "digital arrest" scam by cyber fraudsters, reported IANS.
According to Mumbai Police, the accused impersonated officials from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and extorted Rs 40.90 lakh from him by threatening to link him to the Delhi bomb blasts and a money laundering case.
The scam began on March 10, when he received a video call on the Signal app. The caller identified himself as "PSI Singh" from Delhi ATS and claimed that Rajendra's name had surfaced in connection with serious criminal cases, including the Delhi bomb blasts and alleged money laundering activities.
The fraudsters told him that a bank account had been opened in Karnataka using his Aadhaar details and used for suspicious transactions worth Rs 2.65 crore. They also showed a fake Supreme Court order and warned him of immediate arrest, as per the news agency.
They kept him under constant video surveillance and forced him to isolate himself at home. He was told not to speak to anyone and to strictly follow their instructions.
A police official explained, "The accused created continuous fear and pressure by pretending to be investigating agencies," reported the news agency.
Under pressure, Rajendra first transferred Rs 2.90 lakh. Later, he was forced to sell shares worth Rs 29 lakh. Out of this, Rs 28 lakh was transferred into accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
The scammers then demanded another Rs 10 lakh as "bail security," which his wife arranged through a loan. They promised the money would be refunded within two days and the case would be closed.
After receiving the money, the accused stopped all communication. Realising he had been cheated, Rajendra approached authorities.
He filed a complaint through the national cyber-crime helpline 1930 on May 3 and later lodged a formal complaint with the Mumbai Cyber Cell on May 4. Police have now launched an investigation to trace the suspects and identify the bank accounts used in the fraud.
(With IANS Inputs)
