According to investigators, the victim, Satish Kumar Mahaur, a resident of Ashok Colony, searched the internet for a service helpline after his recently purchased appliance malfunctioned. He dialed a number listed online and the caller allegedly posed as an authorised service representative. During the conversation, the fraudster sent a link to download an application labeled “Repair E-Service.”

Police said the link installed an APK file on the victim’s phone. Shortly after downloading it, the device froze and shut down for several minutes. When the phone restarted, the caller instructed Mahaur to conduct a ₹1 test transaction. Investigators believe the malicious file granted the scammer remote access to his device and banking credentials.

Within two days, ₹4 lakh was withdrawn from his account at Bank of Baroda. The victim discovered the unauthorized transactions only after checking his SMS alerts and immediately approached the cyber cell and local police to file a complaint.

Officers at Murar police station have registered a case and begun tracing the destination account where the funds were transferred. Authorities said technical data and banking records are being analysed to identify suspects and track the money trail.

Police issued a public advisory warning residents against downloading APK files or clicking on unknown links, especially those received from unverified sources. Officials stressed that customer care numbers should be obtained only from official company websites, noting that fraudsters often post fake helpline numbers online to trap unsuspecting users.

The incident highlights a growing pattern of cybercrime involving malicious applications that allow criminals to remotely control devices and siphon funds. Investigators urged citizens to report suspicious calls or digital activity immediately to minimise financial losses.