Two arrested for cheating Delhi doctor couple of nearly Rs 14 crore

New Delhi: Two individuals from Gujarat have been arrested in connection with a shocking case of cyber fraud of nearly 14 crore involving an NRI (non-Resident Indian) doctor couple residing in Greater Kailash.

The accused, identified as Divyank Patel and Shitoli, were apprehended in Vadodara and later brought to Delhi for questioning. According to officials, the duo played a key role in a fraud.

Also Read:Digital Arrest Scam: Retired Delhi doctor couple loses Rs 14 crore

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in one of the major cyber fraud cases, an elderly doctor couple residing in south Delhi's Greater Kailash was allegedly cheated of nearly Rs 14 crore after being kept under ''digital arrest'' for over two weeks, police said on Saturday.

The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in what police have described as one of the most disturbing cases of “digital arrest” in recent times.

The victims, an elderly doctor couple who returned from the United States in 2016, were allegedly kept under digital confinement for more than two weeks.

Cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers maintained constant contact with them through video calls, monitoring their movements and preventing them from leaving their home or meeting anyone, news agency IANS reported.

Under the pretext of an “asset investigation,” the couple was coerced into transferring their savings to multiple bank accounts, with assurances that the money would be returned once the probe concluded.

However, when no funds were restored, the couple realized they had been duped and lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police.

The fraud reportedly took place between December 24 and January 9, during which the accused orchestrated the elaborate scheme.

The incident has caused widespread concern, highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime and the vulnerability of elderly citizens to sophisticated scams.

After an e-FIR was registered on Saturday, the Cyber Crime Unit of Delhi Police launched a swift investigation.

Officials emphasised that the case demonstrates how criminals are exploiting technology to create psychological pressure on victims, effectively placing them under "digital arrest".

Police sources confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace additional accomplices and recover the siphoned funds.

Authorities have also urged citizens to remain vigilant against such fraudulent tactics and to immediately report suspicious communications claiming to be from government or law enforcement agencies.

Also Read:Doctor cheated of Rs 1.15 crore through fake stock trading application, 5 arrested