The menace of digital arrest scams is rising rapidly across India — and the latest victim is a female doctor from Andhra Pradesh, who was defrauded of ₹13.5 lakh by cybercriminals posing as officials from the CBI and Bengaluru Police.

The Target: A Respected Medical Professor

The victim, Dr. Revathi, a professor at a private medical college, received a call last month from individuals claiming to be from Ashok Nagar Police Station, Bengaluru. They informed her that the CBI had registered a case against her for human trafficking and extortion. The threat? Immediate arrest unless she cooperated.

Shocked and terrified, Dr. Revathi was told that the so-called charges could only be “fought” in the Supreme Court — but only if she transferred money to specific bank accounts to cover legal expenses.

A Carefully Executed Scam

The fraudsters exploited her fear, presenting themselves as high-ranking officials, complete with fake case files and bogus legal documents. Believing them to be genuine, she followed their instructions and transferred ₹13.5 lakh into multiple bank accounts provided by the scammers.

It was only later that she realized she had been duped — and immediately lodged a complaint with the Srikakulam One Town Police Station.

The Crackdown: 3 Arrested, 3 Still on the Run

Based on her FIR, the police launched an investigation and tracked down three of the six accused. Those arrested near Visakhapatnam Railway Station are:

• Ruman Sharif (Mysuru, Karnataka)

• Naufala Shereen (Calicut, Kerala)

• Nazimuddin (Kerala)

The police also seized ₹6 lakh in cash and three mobile phones used in the crime. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining three suspects, whose identities have been established.

Digital Arrest: What Is It?

So-called digital arrests involve impersonation of law enforcement or investigative agencies like the CBI, ED, or local police. Victims are falsely told they are involved in criminal activities and are then extorted under the threat of arrest, seizure of property, or social disgrace. These scams often use VoIP calls, doctored documents, and fake video calls with uniformed “officers.”

Police Advisory

Authorities have once again warned the public not to trust such calls. No official agency demands money over the phone or threatens arrest without proper legal process. If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately and inform the local cybercrime cell.