According to officials, the victim, identified as Swapan Sen, a former officer of the Animal Husbandry Department, received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number on December 31, 2025. The caller introduced himself as an officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch and alleged that Sen’s credit card had been used in multiple fraud cases. To lend credibility, the accused shared a purported FIR copy via WhatsApp.
Police said the caller repeatedly warned Sen of immediate arrest and legal action, creating panic and psychological pressure. Under the pretext of “verifying accounts” and “clearing his name,” the accused demanded details of Sen’s bank accounts and fixed deposits. Fearing arrest, the retired doctor shared sensitive financial information.
Investigators said the fraud unfolded over multiple transactions. On January 3, Sen transferred ₹34 lakh via RTGS to an account specified by the caller. On January 13, he was instructed to send another ₹39 lakh to a different account. The final transaction took place on January 16, when Sen prematurely broke his fixed deposit and transferred ₹55 lakh, taking the total amount siphoned off to ₹1.28 crore.
It was after the last transfer that Sen realised he had been duped. He immediately approached the Assembly police station and lodged a complaint. Acting swiftly, the police coordinated with banks and managed to place a hold on ₹55 lakh that had been transferred in the final transaction.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified accused under sections related to cheating and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. Police officials said efforts are underway to trace the beneficiaries of the accounts used in the fraud and to follow the digital money trail.
A senior police officer said such “digital arrest” scams are becoming increasingly common, with fraudsters exploiting fear of law enforcement to extort money, particularly from elderly victims. “No police agency arrests people over video or WhatsApp calls. Citizens should immediately report such calls to the police or the cyber helpline,” the officer said.
The investigation is ongoing, and further recoveries are expected as authorities continue to coordinate with banks and cyber experts.
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