A senior citizen from Barkot Mafi in Ranipokhari was allegedly defrauded of 27.60 lakh rupees after cyber criminals staged a fake police investigation and threatened him with arrest. The Dehradun Cyber Crime Police have registered a case and begun searching for the accused.

The fraud began on 5 September, when the victim, identified as Ramesh Chandra Khanduri, received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be a police officer named Sanjay from Nashik, Maharashtra.

During the call, the fraudster alleged that illegal transactions worth 2 crore rupees had taken place through Khanduri’s Canara Bank account. He also claimed that a treason case was being pursued against the senior citizen.

The caller used a police-style video background to make the threat appear credible. He was seen wearing what appeared to be a police commissioner’s uniform, while an NIA emblem and the Ashoka Chakra were visible on the wall behind him.

How the money was transferred

The fraudsters told Khanduri that his bank accounts were being checked. They claimed his funds had to be moved to an RBI “special account” until the verification ended, promising that the money would later be returned with interest.

Fearing legal action, Khanduri transferred 6.10 lakh rupees to an account provided by the callers on 10 September. He sent another 21.50 lakh rupees to different accounts on 16 September.

Together, the 2 transfers amounted to 27.60 lakh rupees. The callers later sought an additional 10 lakh rupees from him on 24 September.

Khanduri went to a bank to arrange the latest transfer. Bank employees became suspicious during the transaction and prevented the payment from being completed. They also informed the police, after which the victim realised that he had been deceived.

Police investigation underway

Khanduri subsequently submitted a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Dehradun. A case has been registered, and investigators are trying to trace the people involved in the alleged fraud.

STF SSP Ajay Singh confirmed that the case had been registered and said efforts were underway to locate the accused. The available information does not state that anyone has been arrested.

The case also highlights how fraudsters use official-looking uniforms, agency symbols and threats of criminal proceedings to pressure victims into transferring money. In this incident, intervention by bank staff stopped the requested additional payment.

Conclusion

The verified takeaway is that Khanduri lost 27.60 lakh rupees in transfers made under a fake investigation threat, while bank employees stopped a further 10 lakh rupees payment and the Dehradun Cyber Crime Police began investigating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much money did Ramesh Chandra Khanduri lose?

He transferred 27.60 lakh rupees to accounts specified by the alleged fraudsters.

Q. Where does Khanduri live?

He is a resident of Barkot Mafi in Ranipokhari.

Q. When did the alleged fraud begin?

The incident began on 5 September with a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number.

Q. What allegation did the caller make about Khanduri’s bank account?

The caller alleged that illegal transactions worth 2 crore rupees had taken place through his Canara Bank account.

Q. How did the fraudsters threaten him?

They claimed he faced a treason case and sent him a fabricated arrest warrant through WhatsApp.

Q. Was any further payment stopped?

Yes. Bank employees prevented a requested transfer of 10 lakh rupees on 24 September and alerted the police.

Q. Which police unit is investigating the case?

The Cyber Crime Police Station in Dehradun registered the case and began the investigation.

Q. Has anyone been arrested?

The available information says the accused are being traced. It does not report an arrest.