How Did a Karnataka Bank Manager Lose Rs 56 Lakh in Digital Arrest Fraud?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking incident from Mandya, a bank manager lost Rs 56 lakh to cyber fraudsters posing as CBI officers. This article delves into the details of the scam, the investigation that followed, and the alarming rise of digital fraud in India. Stay informed about evolving cyber threats and learn how to protect yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber fraud is on the rise, with criminals using sophisticated methods to deceive individuals.
- Always verify the identity of anyone asking for sensitive information.
- Victims should report scams immediately to help prevent further fraud.
- Law enforcement is actively pursuing cybercriminals, but public awareness is key.
- Stay informed about the latest scams to protect yourself.
Mandya, July 25 (NationPress) A bank manager suffered a significant loss of Rs 56 lakh after falling victim to a scheme where she was "digitally arrested" by cyber fraudsters in Karnataka's Mandya district.
The police successfully solved the case after a lengthy nine-month investigation, leading to the arrest of three individuals involved in the crime.
As reported by authorities, the victim is a female bank manager employed at the Bank of Baroda.
Impersonating officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the cybercriminals initiated contact via a video call, accusing her of participating in money laundering and making threatening communications.
They further claimed that she was associated with a hawala racket and had evidence to support their allegations of her threatening behavior. The fraudsters persuaded her that she needed to swiftly transfer funds from her accounts to avert an impending arrest, assuring her the money would be returned by evening once any confusion was addressed, according to police reports.
They instructed her to stay on the line during the entire video call. After she completed the transfer, the funds were distributed across 29 different bank accounts.
Upon realizing she had been scammed, the bank manager promptly lodged a complaint at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Mandya.
During their investigation, police uncovered that the accounts receiving the funds were fraudulent.
Further inquiries indicated that the cybercriminal gang operated out of Rajasthan, but when a police team visited, they traced the operation back to Delhi.
Authorities apprehended one of the suspects, Gopal Bishnoi, in Delhi. Information obtained from him led to the arrests of two additional suspects, Mahipal Bishnoi and Jitendra Singh. Police recovered Rs 1.5 lakh, while the remainder of the funds had been dispersed through the various bank accounts.
Recently, two women in Bengaluru were also victimized by fraudsters impersonating police officers in a similar "digital arrest" scam.
The women endured a nine-hour video call during which they were reportedly coerced into undressing for a supposed online medical examination to identify birthmarks and moles. The perpetrators recorded the video of the women.
The cybercriminals posed as officials from Mumbai's Colaba police station.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud schemes targeting individuals and professionals alike. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of educating the public about digital safety. NationPress remains committed to delivering reliable news and insights that empower our readers.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital arrest scam?
A digital arrest scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement or government officials, often via video call, to coerce victims into transferring money under false pretenses.
How can I protect myself from cyber fraud?
To protect yourself from cyber fraud, always verify the identity of callers, avoid sharing sensitive information online, and report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
What should I do if I fall victim to a scam?
If you fall victim to a scam, report it to local law enforcement and the Cyber Crime Division as soon as possible. Document all communications and transactions for investigation.
Are there any recent trends in cyber crime?
Yes, there is a notable increase in scams that involve impersonation of government officials, particularly using technology like video calls to instill fear and urgency.
What actions are law enforcement taking against cyber crime?
Law enforcement agencies are increasing their focus on cyber crime, enhancing training for investigators and developing partnerships with tech companies to track and apprehend offenders.
