Bhopal witnessed a shocking case of cyber fraud on Sunday evening when cybercriminals targeted Pranali Tikekar, an assistant manager at the Bank of India, in the Kolar area. The fraudsters kept her under “digital arrest” for nearly an hour in her own home, threatening her with false allegations of money laundering.
Fraudulent Call and Threats
At around 4:30 PM, Pranali received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as an officer from the Crime Branch in Delhi. He accused her of involvement in a money laundering transaction worth ₹2.56 crore using her Aadhaar card, PAN card, and ATM card. Alarmed by the accusations, Pranali denied any such activity.
The fraudsters then insisted she join a video call. On the call, individuals dressed as police officers appeared and claimed her statement needed to be recorded for legal proceedings. They warned her not to leave the house, declaring her “digitally arrested.” Fearing the consequences, Pranali locked herself in a room and followed their instructions.
Suspicion and Rescue
The situation took a turn when Pranali’s mother-in-law became suspicious. She informed a close relative about the unusual incident. The relative promptly reported the matter to the Kolar police station and accompanied the police to Pranali’s residence.
Police Intervention
According to Additional DCP Zone-4 Malkit Singh, the police arrived at the scene to find Pranali still locked in her room. When the fraudsters saw real police officers through the video call, they abruptly ended the call and disappeared.
Pranali later revealed that the fraudsters had pressured her into giving a statement, claiming it would be submitted in court. The police confirmed that the criminals used psychological tactics to manipulate her into compliance.
Awareness and Caution
The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Cybercriminals often use fear and impersonation to deceive individuals, particularly those in sensitive professions like banking. Residents are advised to verify the authenticity of any such calls and report suspicious activities immediately.
