Two from Maharashtra nabbed in Rs 6.6 lakh ‘Digital Arrest’ scam that claimed Doctor’s life

Hyderabad Cybercrime police arrested two men from Maharashtra for their role in a ‘digital arrest’ scam that led to the death of a retired doctor. The victim was coerced into transferring Rs 6.6 lakh under threat of arrest using fake documents and impersonation tactics. The mental trauma resulted in a fatal cardiac arrest.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cybercrime police have arrested two suspects from Maharashtra for their alleged role in an Rs 6.6 lakh ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud that tragically led to the death of a retired government doctor.

The duo identified as Shankar Supur (38) from Kolhapur and Vishwas Dattatraya Miraje (35) from Sangli, were identified as an account holder and account supplier in the fraud network.

---

Police said the victim, a retired CSRMO from Malakpet, was harassed between September 5 and 8 by the fraudsters posing as Bengaluru police officials. The fraudsters used WhatsApp video calls, caller ID spoofing, and forged documents from the Supreme Court, ED, RBI, and police to falsely implicate the victim in a human trafficking case.

“Under threat of arrest, she was coerced into transferring a total of Rs 6.6 lakh from her pension account. The constant intimidation led to severe mental stress and a fatal cardiac arrest on September 8. Shockingly, the fraudsters continued messaging even after her death,” Cybercrime officials said.

Police have seized two mobile phones from the suspects, whose data is now being scrutinised. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IT Act and BNS.

Authorities warned citizens against such scams, stressing that ‘digital arrest’ was fake and no law enforcement agency demands money to clear names or issue certificates.