Nagpur: A 77-year-old retired Military Engineering Services (MES) officer from Nagpur lost ₹17.20 lakh, his retirement savings, in a digital arrest scam after cyber fraudsters impersonated officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Data Protection Board of India.
According to the FIR registered by the Nagpur Cyber Police, the complainant, Vasant Sitaramji Dhamande (77), a resident of Swaraj Apartment in Swaraj Nagar, Parvati Nagar, was targeted between March 31 and April 7, 2026.
Police said the accused, acting in conspiracy, contacted the victim through multiple mobile numbers and introduced themselves as officials from the Data Protection Board of India, NIA, and other government agencies. One caller identified himself as Sandeep Roy from Colaba, Mumbai, while another claimed to be Pradeep Jaiswal, an NIA officer. The fraudsters also used WhatsApp and other mobile numbers to reinforce the deception.
The accused falsely claimed that a SIM card had been purchased in the complainant’s name and was linked to criminal activities. To make the story appear genuine, they allegedly sent forged ED warrants and fabricated official documents via WhatsApp and told the victim that his bank accounts needed to be verified by the RBI and ED.
Police said the fraudsters kept the retired officer under constant fear and psychological pressure, effectively placing him under a so-called “digital arrest”. Believing he was complying with a legitimate investigation, the victim transferred ₹17,20,047, his retirement savings, from his State Bank of India account to another bank account through RTGS.
Realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the Cyber Police.
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 318(4), 319(2), 318(2), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(1), 340(2), 204(5) and 61(2), along with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.
Cyber Police have urged citizens to remember that no government agency, including the NIA, ED, RBI or police, conducts investigations through “digital arrests” or asks people to transfer money for account verification. Anyone receiving such calls is advised to disconnect immediately and report the matter to the national cybercrime helpline or the nearest cyber police station.
