Cyber fraudsters targeted Pranali Tikekar, an assistant manager at the Bank of India, in a chilling incident of cybercrime in the Kolar area of Bhopal on Sunday. The criminals kept Tikekar under "digital arrest" for an hour in her home, threatening her with allegations of money laundering involving Rs 2.56 crore.
The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. when Tikekar received a call from an unknown number. The caller, posing as an officer from the Crime Branch in Delhi, claimed that transactions amounting to Rs 2.56 crore had been carried out through her Aadhaar card, PAN card, and ATM card. Despite her denial of any involvement, the caller escalated the situation by demanding she join a video call.
During the video call, individuals dressed as police officers appeared, adding a layer of intimidation. They informed Tikekar that her statement was required for an ongoing investigation and warned her not to leave her house, claiming she was under "digital arrest." Under duress, Tikekar locked herself in her room while the fraudsters recorded her statement, asserting that it would be submitted in court.
Tikekar’s ordeal lasted for nearly an hour until her mother-in-law, sensing something amiss, alerted a relative about the situation. The relative promptly contacted the Kolar police station and accompanied officers to Tikekar’s residence. The police intervened, bringing an end to the harrowing episode.
According to authorities, Tikekar was coerced into compliance by the sophisticated tactics of the fraudsters, who exploited fear and confusion. The case underscores the increasing prevalence of cybercrime and the advanced methods used by criminals to manipulate their victims.
The Kolar police are investigating the incident and working to trace the origin of the call. Residents are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The police have reiterated the importance of verifying any claims made over the phone, particularly when they involve allegations of criminal activity or demands for personal information.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness in an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
