‘Matter of National Security’: How a Delhi Couple Was Kept Under ‘Digital Arrest’ and Duped of ₹14 Crore

A New Face of Cybercrime: Digital Arrest Through Fear and Impersonation

In a disturbing instance of cyber-enabled fraud, a Delhi-based doctor couple was allegedly kept under what investigators describe as “digital arrest” for over two weeks and duped of nearly ₹14.85 crore by fraudsters impersonating officials from law enforcement agencies.

The case exposes how fear of arrest, misuse of national security rhetoric, and impersonation of authorities are being deployed to psychologically restrain victims and extract large sums of money without physical confinement.

Timeline of the Alleged Fraud

According to Delhi Police, the fraud occurred between December 24 and January 9, during which the accused maintained continuous contact with the victims through phone and video calls.

An e-FIR was registered on Saturday, and the Cyber Crime Unit of Delhi Police has launched a full-scale investigation to trace the bank accounts and individuals involved.

How the ‘Digital Arrest’ Began

Victim Indira Taneja, a resident of Greater Kailash, stated that the first call came on December 24 around noon, from a person claiming to be an official of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

She was told:

  • Her mobile number would be disconnected due to complaints of obscene calls

  • An FIR had already been registered against her in Maharashtra

  • Arrest warrants had been issued in her name

The call was then escalated to a video call with a man dressed in a police uniform, lending credibility to the deception.

Impersonation of Police and Use of Visual Props

During the video call, banners reading “Colaba Police” were visible behind the caller. According to the victim, this visual setup made the narrative appear authentic.

The impersonator alleged that:

  • A Canara Bank account in her name was involved in money laundering

  • The alleged transactions were linked to national security

  • Immediate cooperation was mandatory to avoid arrest

Exploitation of Medical Vulnerability

The couple informed the callers that:

  • They could not travel to Mumbai

  • The husband was recovering from surgery at AIIMS

  • He was still on antibiotics and required a walker for mobility

  • They had no family support in India, as their children lived abroad

Despite repeated explanations, the pressure allegedly continued unabated.

‘Verification Like Bail’: Psychological Coercion and Isolation

When the couple refused to travel, the fraudsters suggested an alternative arrangement:

  • The victim would remain under “verification”

  • The process was compared to bail verification

  • She would be “released” after verification was completed

Crucially, the couple was allegedly instructed:

  • Not to contact anyone

  • To remain continuously available on phone and video calls

  • To comply with directions without seeking legal advice

Investigators believe this forced isolation was central to maintaining psychological control.

Fraud Comes to Light After Calls Stop

The scam reportedly came to light only after:

  • The calls abruptly stopped on January 9

  • The couple realised something was amiss

  • Authorities were subsequently approached

By then, the couple had allegedly transferred ₹14.85 crore to multiple bank accounts.

Statutory Provisions Likely to Be Invoked

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

  • Section 316 – Cheating

  • Section 318 – Cheating by personation

  • Section 319 – Criminal breach of trust

  • Section 336 – Forgery for purpose of cheating

  • Section 61 – Criminal conspiracy

Information Technology Act, 2000

  • Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources

  • Section 43 – Unauthorised access and data misuse

Code of Criminal Procedure / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

  • Provisions relating to electronic evidence, e-FIR, and bank account tracing

Constitutional Dimensions

The case touches upon core constitutional safeguards:

  • Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty, which includes protection from psychological coercion and unlawful restraint

  • Article 22 – Safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention

  • Article 300A – Protection of property from unlawful deprivation

The concept of “digital arrest”, while not legally recognised, raises serious concerns about indirect deprivation of liberty without due process.

Judicial Principles and Precedents

Indian courts have repeatedly held that:

  • Fear-induced consent is no consent in law

  • Impersonation of public servants aggravates the offence of cheating

  • Psychological confinement can amount to unlawful restraint if liberty is curtailed through coercion

In State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, the Supreme Court recognised misuse of authority and deception as grounds for strict criminal action.
In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, the Court highlighted how misuse of digital platforms can severely impact individual liberty.

Police Investigation Underway

Delhi Police has stated that:

  • Multiple bank accounts are being traced

  • Digital footprints and IP addresses are under examination

  • Coordination with banks and national cyber agencies is ongoing

Investigators believe the accused may be part of a larger organised cybercrime network, targeting elderly individuals and NRIs using law enforcement impersonation.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on Cyber Psychological Crimes

This case underscores a dangerous evolution in cybercrime — where liberty is curtailed without physical custody, using fear, authority symbols, and isolation.

The alleged fraud shows how:

  • National security rhetoric can be weaponised

  • Visual impersonation can bypass scepticism

  • Psychological coercion can substitute physical force

As cybercrime grows more sophisticated, law enforcement and public awareness must evolve to recognise that digital confinement is as real and damaging as physical restraint.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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