A couple from Bitholi village in Dehradun’s Premnagar area has reported losing 45.85 lakh in an alleged “digital arrest” cyber-fraud case. The callers reportedly posed as officers from the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Mumbai Crime Branch.
According to the complaint, the callers claimed that the couple’s mobile number had been used in a terror attack. They allegedly warned that both victims could become involved in the investigation unless they followed instructions.
The complaint was submitted to police on 8 October. The couple has requested that the money be recovered and action be taken against those responsible.
How the alleged fraud unfolded
Vijaypal Dhiman and his wife, Pushpa Dhiman, began receiving calls from unknown people around 16 August. one caller allegedly introduced himself as Sub-Inspector Ranjit Kumar and claimed to be connected with the Mumbai ATS headquarters and Crime Branch.
The callers reportedly sought information about the couple’s 3 children and warned that their safety could be at risk. They then kept the couple under continuous contact through phone calls and WhatsApp video calls, according to the complaint.
The couple said they were told not to speak with anyone else. During the final stage of the alleged fraud, one video call reportedly remained connected for about 60 hours.
5 transfers between 21 and 27 August
Fearing consequences for themselves and their children, the couple allegedly followed the callers’ instructions. They were told to deposit money into an RBI account as part of the supposed investigation.
The couple transferred 45.85 lakh in 5 separate transactions between 21 and 27 August. The complaint states that they continued making payments because of the threats and the instructions issued during the calls.
The reported case highlights the pressure tactics used in alleged digital-arrest scams. Such callers typically rely on claims of official authority, criminal investigation and danger to family members to prevent victims from seeking outside help. In this case, those claims remain allegations described in the complaint, not established findings against any identified suspect.
Complaint seeks recovery and action
The available complaint records the couple’s account of the calls, threats and money transfers. It does not establish that the callers were genuine ATS or Mumbai Crime Branch officers, and it does not provide a court finding against any accused person.
The next verified step in the available information is the police response to the complaint and the examination of the reported transfers and communications. No further outcome is stated.
Conclusion
The Dehradun couple says they were deceived into transferring 45.85 lakh after callers posing as investigating officers threatened them with a terror probe and danger to their 3 children. Their 8 October complaint seeks recovery of the money and action against the alleged fraudsters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the alleged cyber fraud take place?
The couple lives in Bitholi village in the Premnagar area of Dehradun.
Q. How much money did the couple reportedly lose?
They reported transferring 45.85 lakh in 5 instalments.
Q. When were the transfers made?
The transfers took place between 21 and 27 August.
Q. Who did the callers claim to be?
They reportedly posed as officers from the Anti-Terrorist Squad and Mumbai Crime Branch. one caller allegedly used the name Sub-Inspector Ranjit Kumar.
Q. What threat was made against the couple?
The callers allegedly said the couple’s mobile number had been used in a terror attack and threatened them with involvement in the investigation.
Q. Why were the couple’s children mentioned?
The callers allegedly asked about the couple’s 3 children and warned that their safety could be at risk.
Q. How long was one video call reportedly connected?
The complaint says the final video call remained connected for about 60 hours.
Q. When did the couple approach police?
They submitted their complaint on 8 October, seeking recovery of the money and action against the alleged fraudsters.
