In Lucknow, cybercriminals posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials ‘digitally arrested’ a 100-year-old man, Hardev Singh, and his 70-year-old son Surinder Pal Singh, a retired Merchant Navy officer, extracting over ₹1.29 crore in six days via psychological intimidation and threats.
The fraud, which began with menacing WhatsApp calls and accusations of money laundering, led the victims to make multiple high-value bank transfers following relentless pressure.
The Uttar Pradesh Police cyber cell is now tracking the scam’s trail across several states, and officials have urged the public to immediately report suspicious calls and never share bank details with unknown callers.
‘Digital Arrest’ Fear Drives Costly Surrender
The ordeal began on August 20 when Hardev Singh received a call from an unknown number, with the caller introducing himself as CBI officer “Alok Singh” and falsely claiming the centenarian faced a money laundering arrest warrant.
Under the guise of ‘digital arrest,’ Hardev was forced to isolate and stay constantly on the phone, unable to inform anyone or move freely.
As Surinder Pal Singh returned home, his father explained their supposed legal haplessness, and together, they succumbed to the caller’s demands revealing joint account details and, then, over several days, transferring sums of ₹32 lakh, ₹45 lakh, and ₹52 lakh via RTGS and NEFT to seemingly random accounts in Bhavnagar, Goa, and Jalgaon.
“These criminals exploited their trust and fear, demonstrating calculated patience and control,” said DCP Central Raveena Tyagi. “We are rigorously analysing every transaction and cyber-tracing the suspects”.
The fraudsters repeatedly assured the family their entire sum would be returned after “verification” a reassurance that ultimately proved hollow.
A Pattern of Organised Cybercrime Preys on Elders
The Lucknow incident reflects a broader, unsettling trend in cyber frauds targeting the elderly and isolated, especially those with savings or pensions.
Police emphasise this is not the first such scam: in Noida, a similar ‘digital arrest’ case recently unfolded, involving a 36-day ordeal and a ₹3 crore loss for a retired Air Force officer’s family.
Investigators believe these frauds use “mule accounts” belonging often to unwitting young adults spread nationwide, funnelling proceeds through an intricate web that complicates recovery.
Warnings have been issued not to trust any caller claiming to be from a government agency, particularly if requests are made via WhatsApp or demand secrecy, cash movement or immediate compliance.
The police urge reporting to the 1930 cybercrime helpline, and assure that no genuine investigative agency ever requests such transactions or threatens arrest over the phone.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic episode casts a harsh spotlight on our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable from evolving digital threats. It is a wake-up call for proactive digital literacy, community awareness, and robust legal measures to deter scammers from preying on India’s elderly.
While police efforts to unravel these networks are commendable, society must also bridge the digital divide with empathy, kindness, and education helping seniors and families spot red flags before scams cause harm. The trauma, shame, and financial loss inflicted by such manipulative crimes cannot be measured only in rupees.
