The victim, Arvind Singh Mahaur (41), a resident of New Ashok Colony in Gwalior, was posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Sabalgarh, Morena district, at the time of the incident. According to the complaint, unknown callers contacted him in September, claiming to be staffers of the CM Portal Office and offering “relief” in ongoing disciplinary proceedings in return for money.

Police said the fraud began on the evening of September 19, when Mahaur received multiple calls from unidentified numbers. One caller later contacted the district Collector, introducing himself as a CM Office representative and alleging that Mahaur was not responding. Following the Collector’s reference, Mahaur received another call which appeared on the Truecaller app as “CM Portal – Ashwini,” lending credibility to the claim.

Believing the caller to be genuine, Mahaur allegedly transferred ₹2.95 lakh in instalments between September 19 and October 1 through online wallets and bank accounts. When further demands were made, he grew suspicious and verified the details, only to find that no official named Ashwini was posted in the CM’s office. The callers then stopped responding.

Mahaur subsequently lodged an e-zero FIR through the cybercrime helpline 1930. The complaint was forwarded via the CCTNS system to Thatipur police station, where a case of cyber fraud has been registered. Additional Superintendent of Police Anu Beniwal said the investigation is underway under the state’s e-zero FIR campaign.

The case has drawn attention due to Mahaur’s own controversy. He was suspended earlier this year following a complaint by a woman from Gwalior, who accused him of harassment and misuse of authority. A departmental inquiry is currently in progress, and Mahaur is attached to the Chambal Divisional Office.

Police said efforts are on to trace the callers and recover the money.