BAGALKOT
A case of cheating involving ₹83.22 lakh under the name of Digital Arrest has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Bagalkot police station police said Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal said FIR has been filed. On February 22, victims received WhatsApp calls from fraudsters posing as officials of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and threatened them using Aadhaar misuse claims. They told fake FIR stories and created fear by showing forged documents and fake court process linked to a money laundering case involving Jet Airways.
They also used names of IPS officers and forced victims to transfer money through accounts in Canara Bank and State Bank of India and through RTGS and crypto channels. Nearly ₹83.22 lakh was lost including bank transfers, gold sale and crypto investments. Police warned public not to believe digital arrest threats and said people should immediately contact cyber helpline or nearest police station if such calls are received. An investigation is underway based on mobile numbers money trails and technical evidence and a special team has been formed to trace the fraud network.
Officials said the fraudsters used fear tactics fake court hearings and impersonation of judges lawyers and police officers to extort money from victims. Authorities urged citizens to stay alert against online scams and report suspicious communications immediately to protect themselves from financial fraud and cybercrime threats.
