Conmen collected ₹42.40 lakh from a 72-year-old retired officer in Belagavi in a digital arrest scam.
The scam continued for a week from October 3 to October 9. The scamsters falsely claimed that his mobile number was used to circulate objectionable videos and his bank account was linked to money laundering and threatened him with arrest.
The accused forced the victim to transfer money to multiple bank accounts.
The scam began on October 3 when the victim received a call on his mobile phone. After initially obtaining details about his family members, the caller initiated a WhatsApp video call.
The caller identified himself as Vijay Kanha, an IPS officer, from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
He threatened the retired officer by accusing him of involvement in serious criminal activities.
As the victim believed in the threats and feared the consequences, the conmen manipulated him into transferring a total of ₹42.40 lakh to different bank accounts.
Based on a complaint, the Cyber Crime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) Police have registered a First Information Report.
Investigation is on.
Published - October 18, 2026 06:15 pm IST