Karnataka doctor loses Rs 16.5 lakh to fraudster posing as Delhi Police official

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2024-04-01T15:30:57+05:30 | Updated On 1 April 2024 3:31 PM IST

Puttur: In a distressing incident, a 69-year-old doctor was duped of Rs 16.5 lakh after online fraudsters threatened him with immediate arrest for narcotics and other illicit financial activities. The culprit introduced himself as a police officer from Delhi and informed the doctor that there was an active arrest warrant issued against him.

The senior doctor has been identified as a resident of Bolvaru, Kasaba village. As per the details furnished in the complaint lodged by the doctor, the ordeal commenced on the morning of March 28 when he received an unexpected call from an unfamiliar individual who identified himself as a police officer stationed in Delhi.

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As per a recent media report by Daijiworld, the caller, claiming authority, apprised him of a purported case registered against him in the capital city, implicating him in offences involving narcotics, illicit financial activities, and human trafficking. Shockingly, the caller disclosed the existence of an active arrest warrant against him.

Exploiting the urgency of the situation, the caller coerced the doctor into believing that he needed to promptly address the matter by either appearing at the CBI court in Delhi or by handling the proceedings online. To ensure compliance, the fraudster directed him to transfer a substantial sum of money to a designated bank account, assuring him of its eventual reimbursement after the resolution of the case.

Additionally, the caller issued thinly veiled threats of imminent arrest by the Delhi police should the doctor adhere to the prescribed instructions. In an attempt to authenticate the gravity of the situation, the fraudster cunningly forwarded fabricated documents via WhatsApp, displaying the doctor's name and personal details. Afraid of getting implicated legally, the victim fearing for his liberty, acquiesced to the demands and initiated an RTGS transfer of Rs 16.5 lakh to the provided bank account, reports The Daily.

However, the ordeal did not conclude there. In a bold move, the scammer brazenly demanded further monetary transactions, prompting him to harbour suspicions regarding the legitimacy of the situation. Recognizing the urgency of the matter and the duplicitous nature of the caller, he promptly reported the distressing incident to the authorities at the Puttur City police station, seeking redress and justice. In response to his complaint, a formal case has been registered, and investigations into the fraudulent activities are currently underway.

Also Read: UP doctor duped of Rs 40 lakh in digital arrest scam

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Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.