Rajkot Police reportedly prevented an elderly couple from losing ₹25 lakh after alleged cybercriminals kept them on a video call for nearly four hours as part of a so-called “digital arrest” scam. The callers allegedly impersonated officials, made claims involving the couple’s Aadhaar details and pressured them to arrange a large payment.
Late-Night Call Turned Into Alleged Cyber Fraud
According to the complaint, a 75-year-old Rajkot resident received a call at around 2:46 am. The caller allegedly introduced herself as an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India before transferring the conversation to another person who claimed to be her senior.
The second caller reportedly initiated a video call and instructed the elderly couple to remain together and stay connected.
The callers allegedly claimed that a bank account had been opened using the couple’s Aadhaar details and was connected to a purported ₹2 crore fraud. They further alleged that ₹25 lakh linked to the case had reached the couple’s account.
Couple Kept Under Prolonged Video Surveillance
The alleged fraudsters then tried to convince the couple that they were facing official legal action. They instructed them to remain isolated and continue the video call while claiming that the elderly man was under “digital arrest.”
The couple were allegedly pressured to arrange ₹25 lakh, with the callers claiming that the money was connected to the supposed investigation. The video surveillance and intimidation reportedly continued for almost four hours.
Police Intervention Prevented the Payment
After several hours, the elderly man contacted the 112 police control room. The information was immediately passed to cybercrime officers.
A team led by PI M.D. Gadhvi reached the couple’s residence and explained that there is no legal provision for a “digital arrest.” Police told the couple that they were being targeted in an alleged cyber fraud attempt.
The intervention prevented the couple from making the demanded ₹25 lakh payment. Police subsequently recorded details of the incident and began further action.
What This Case Shows About Digital Arrest Scams
The Rajkot incident highlights how fraudsters can use fake identities, claims about criminal investigations and prolonged online communication to create fear and pressure victims into transferring money.
Similar “digital arrest” scams have also been flagged by Indian authorities. In July 2026, the Press Information Bureau reported a separate CBI investigation in which a senior citizen had allegedly been coerced into transferring ₹25.65 lakh after callers impersonated law-enforcement and security officials.
People should remember that genuine law-enforcement procedures do not require individuals to remain on an extended video call or transfer money simply to avoid arrest. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should avoid making payments and contact the police or appropriate cybercrime authorities.
For businesses and families, maintaining organised financial records can also make it easier to identify unusual transactions. bookkeeping services in india can support systematic financial record management, though professional bookkeeping cannot by itself prevent cyber fraud.
Conclusion
The Rajkot case is another reminder that scammers can exploit fear and the appearance of official authority to pressure victims. Quick contact with police helped prevent a major financial loss in this case.