Retired HAS officer duped of Rs 73 lakh in fake CBI operation: Cybercrime case registered
In a shocking case of cybercrime, a retired Himachal Administrative Service (HAS) officer of Hamirpur district was duped of Rs 73 lakh by fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. The criminals tricked the retired officer by saying that his bank accounts were being used in terror activities and threatened legal action.
Hamirpur: In a shocking case of cybercrime, a retired Himachal Administrative Service (HAS) officer of Hamirpur district was duped of Rs 73 lakh by fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. The criminals tricked the retired officer by saying that his bank accounts were being used in terror activities and threatened legal action.
The victim lodged a complaint at the Cybercrime Police Station, Central Range Mandi, stating that it all started on September 4, when he received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as a CBI officer and claimed that the officer’s bank accounts and credit cards were linked to terror activities in Hyderabad. He also told him that the Supreme Court has issued a 12-hour “digital arrest” warrant against him.
In the name of national security and citing court orders, the fraudsters kept the retired officer under “digital house arrest” through continuous WhatsApp video calls and forbade him from discussing the case with anyone. The criminals created a big drama by making several video calls with fake senior CBI officials, which further increased the pressure on the officer.
During these calls, the officer was told that all the funds present in his bank accounts would be investigated. He was forced to deposit Rs 73 lakh in various accounts mentioned by the fraudsters, thereby draining his savings and even breaking his FD. Money present with family members was also transferred to accounts mentioned by the criminals.
The fraudsters falsely promised that the funds would be returned after three days of investigation. Rs 47 lakh was transferred on September 4 alone, with the total amount reaching Rs 73 lakh by September 12. The criminals threatened to investigate the officer’s land if the scheme proceeded further, which increased his suspicion. At this point, the officer contacted the cyber crime police station in Mandi.
The cyber police investigated, Rs 21 lakh was recovered
ASP Manmohan Singh of Cyber Crime Police Station, Central Range Mandi, confirmed that a case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. The investigation has led to freezing of Rs 21 lakh in bank accounts linked to the fraud. “This money will be returned to the complainant through the court process,” ASP Singh said. He urged people not to fall prey to such schemes.
The police have warned citizens to be cautious when receiving calls claiming to be from government agencies, especially when threats or financial demands are involved. “Do not be intimidated by such fraudulent calls,” ASP Singh advised. “Report any suspicious activity immediately.”
In cases of online fraud, individuals can lodge a complaint by calling the cyber helpline number 1930 or contacting the Cyber Crime Police Station Mandi at 01905-226900. Complaints can also be sent via email to pscyber-cr@hp.gov.in.
With cybercrime incidents on the rise across the country, the police continue to warn people about sophisticated scams designed to exploit fear and confusion. This case is a reminder of the need for vigilance, especially for those who are targeted by high-stakes threats.
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