Digital Arrest Fraud in Kolkata — A retired government officer and his wife from Belghoria, a northern suburb of Kolkata, became the latest victims of a sophisticated cybercrime operation known as a “digital arrest” scam. Over a period of 16 days, the couple was manipulated, intimidated, and defrauded of over ₹1.55 crore by a group posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Digital Arrest Fraud in Kolkata: The Modus Operandi
The fraud began on June 17, when Susanta Acharya, a 65-year-old retired central government employee, received a phone call allegedly from a TRAI representative. The caller falsely informed him that his mobile number had been linked to illegal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
To lend authenticity, the fraudsters sent the couple a forged digital court notice and told them they were now “digitally arrested.” They were instructed not to leave their home, avoid any outside communication, and remain under 24×7 “surveillance” via WhatsApp video calls.
In a state of fear and emotional breakdown, the couple was told to transfer their savings to a “government-monitored suspense account” to prove their innocence. In reality, they were transferring funds directly into the fraudsters’ accounts.
Ordeal of Surveillance and Isolation
The scammers created an environment of total control over the couple:
- Video Monitoring: The couple had to remain under continuous video surveillance, even while sleeping.
- Psychological Pressure: Every activity, from eating to speaking, was monitored.
- Restriction of Contact: They were prohibited from informing family members, domestic help, or even stepping outside their house.
The couple, fearing legal consequences and further humiliation, complied with every instruction, believing they were cooperating with federal authorities.
Transfer of Funds
Over the 16-day period, the couple:
- Liquidated mutual funds and fixed deposits
- Drained multiple savings accounts
- Sent funds via six large RTGS transfers
The total amount transferred amounted to ₹1.55 crore, which included their life savings and retirement funds.
Discovery and Reporting
It was only after relatives insisted and highlighted the possibility of a scam that the couple gathered the courage to disconnect the video surveillance, reach out for help, and file a complaint. The FIR was lodged at Belghoria Police Station, and the Barrackpore Cyber Crime Unit took over the investigation.
Police Action and Investigation
- Authorities have initiated digital tracking of the transaction trail.
- The accounts to which the money was transferred are under forensic scrutiny.
- DCP Barrackpore Anupam Singh confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the culprits and freeze the remaining funds.
The incident is being treated as part of a larger interstate or international fraud syndicate, believed to be linked with similar operations targeting vulnerable individuals under the guise of government scrutiny.
A Rising Trend: What Is “Digital Arrest”?
“Digital arrest” is a cybercrime technique where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or regulatory authorities and claim the victim is under surveillance or under investigation. They then coerce the target to comply with orders such as remaining under camera watch, avoiding public contact, and making monetary transfers to validate their innocence.
This method is designed to create emotional dependence, legal fear, and social isolation—making victims more susceptible to manipulation.
Why It Works
- Panic and Authority Pressure: Victims often panic when government names like CBI, ED, or TRAI are invoked.
- Use of Fake Legal Documents: Fraudsters forge official-looking court orders to make the threat appear legitimate.
- Isolation Techniques: The insistence on secrecy and control over communication cuts off a victim’s rational support system.
- Technological Exploitation: Apps like WhatsApp are used to surveil and manipulate victims in real-time.
Public Awareness: What You Can Do
| Warning Sign | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Calls from unknown numbers claiming legal action | Hang up and call the agency’s official number |
| Threats of arrest over the phone | No arrest is ever made via call — consult local police |
| Requests to transfer funds for legal clearance | Never transfer funds without physical verification |
| Video call surveillance or pressure to isolate | Inform family or authorities immediately |
Resources for Further Awareness
-
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal – https://cybercrime.gov.in
-
TRAI – Consumer Grievance Division – https://trai.gov.in
-
NDMA Cyber Security Guidelines – https://ndma.gov.in
-
Banking Ombudsman Scheme – https://www.rbi.org.in
The Broader Impact
Cyber experts note that these kinds of scams target emotionally vulnerable individuals, especially senior citizens. The use of official-sounding titles and structured intimidation tactics enables fraudsters to bypass skepticism and act quickly.
The Belghoria case is not an isolated one. In recent months:
- A Patuli couple lost over ₹2.4 crore in a similar scam.
- A Kolkata businessman was duped of ₹1.5 crore under the guise of a digital probe.
- Similar methods have been seen in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
These instances underline the need for rapid public education, better cyber policing, and faster inter-bank communication to flag suspicious transactions in real time.
Final Thoughts
The Belghoria couple’s ordeal is a reminder of how even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to cleverly crafted psychological traps. The increasing frequency of digital arrest scams signals an urgent need for public vigilance, regulatory reform, and enhanced digital literacy.
The couple’s courage in sharing their experience may well serve as a wake-up call for many others—because awareness is the first defense against cybercrime.
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