Elderly Couple Kept Under ‘Digital Arrest’ for 7 Days, Cyber Fraud Attempt Exposes Shocking Reality in Bhilwara

Bhilwara (Rajasthan): In a disturbing case highlighting the growing menace of cyber crime, fraudsters in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district allegedly kept an 80-year-old man and his wife under “digital arrest” for seven days and attempted to cheat them of ₹9 lakh by impersonating officials from multiple government agencies.

The cyber criminals mentally harassed the elderly couple through a series of threatening calls, claiming to be officers from the Telecom Department, Mumbai Police, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). According to police, the accused made nearly 36 calls and tried to intimidate the couple by warning them of arrest and imprisonment.

Threatened With False Cases and Jail

The victim, identified as Sampatlal Mahatma, a resident of the Subhash Nagar Ram Mandir area, received a WhatsApp video call on January 21. The caller introduced himself as a Telecom Department official and claimed that a SIM card issued in Sampatlal’s name was being used in Mumbai for illegal and obscene activities.

The caller further alleged that 17 complaints had been registered against him and that he was involved in a ₹480 crore money laundering case.

When Sampatlal denied the allegations, the call was reportedly “transferred” to a person posing as a Mumbai Police officer. During the video call, the accused displayed a police logo to make the situation appear authentic.

Fraudsters Forced Couple Into Isolation

Police said the scammers then introduced another person claiming to be the case officer, identified as “Sandeep Yadav”. He allegedly forced Sampatlal to write an application addressed to the ED Joint Director and repeatedly threatened the couple with arrest and denial of bail.

The fraudsters allegedly imposed strict restrictions on the elderly couple, instructing them not to step outside their home, not to speak to anyone, and not even to switch off their phone — a tactic commonly referred to as “digital arrest.”

Bank Manager’s Alertness Saves Couple

Under immense fear and pressure, the elderly man attempted to break his fixed deposit and visited the Rajasthan Gramin Bank to arrange the money transfer. However, the bank manager, Mahendra Sharma, became suspicious of the unusual transaction.

Recognizing possible cyber fraud, the manager immediately intervened and stopped the transfer, preventing the couple from losing ₹9 lakh.

Police Investigation Underway

Police officials said the incident is being investigated, and efforts are underway to trace the fraudsters behind the elaborate scam.

This case has once again raised serious concerns about the increasing trend of cyber criminals using fake identities of government agencies to target innocent citizens, especially senior citizens, through fear and psychological manipulation.