A shocking cybercrime case has emerged from Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, where an elderly NRI doctor couple, Dr. Om Taneja (81) and Dr. Indira Taneja (77), were swindled of ₹14.85 crore. The scammers utilized a sophisticated “Digital Arrest” tactic, keeping the couple under constant video surveillance for 16 days (from December 24, 2025, to January 9, 2026).
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1. The Modus Operandi: Anatomy of the Scam
The fraudsters executed a meticulously planned “script” to isolate and intimidate the victims:
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The Hook: A call from a fake TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) official claiming 26 complaints were filed against the doctor’s phone number for “obscene messages.”
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The Escalation: The call was “transferred” to a man posing as a senior Mumbai police officer (Vikrant Singh Rajput). He claimed their bank accounts were linked to the Naresh Goyal money laundering case, calling it a “National Security Threat.”
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The Confinement: For 16 days, the couple was forced to stay on a continuous video call. They were told not to speak to their children in the US or their lawyer, and even to hide from their own driver.
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The Transfer: Under extreme mental pressure, the couple made eight transactions to seven different accounts, liquidating their lifetime savings, fixed deposits, and mutual funds.
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2. Red Flags: How to Spot a Digital Arrest
The Indian government has repeatedly clarified that there is no legal provision for “Digital Arrest” in India. Law enforcement agencies like the CBI, ED, or Police will never:
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Arrest you via a video call (WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom).
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Ask you to transfer “security deposits” or “settlement fees” to personal bank accounts.
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Demand that you keep your camera on 24/7 for surveillance.
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Force you to write “confession letters” to the Supreme Court or any judge over a call.
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3. What to Do If You Are Targeted
If you receive a call claiming you are under “Digital Arrest,” follow these immediate steps:
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Hang Up Immediately: Do not engage in conversation.
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Call 1930: This is the National Cybercrime Helpline. Reporting within the “Golden Hour” (first 2 hours) gives authorities the best chance to freeze the stolen funds.
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Report Online: File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
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Verify via Official Channels: If someone claims to be from a police station, tell them you will visit the local police station in person to resolve the matter.
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