Pune Couple Targeted in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam; Husband Dies of Shock After Losing ₹1 Crore
Pune
In Pune, cyber-fraudsters posing as law-enforcement officials duped a couple of over ₹1 crore via a “digital arrest” scam. The husband collapsed and died from shock shortly after the loss was realised.
Pune| 30 October ,2025: A harrowing example of cyber-fraud has emerged in Pune where a senior couple lost over ₹1 crore in a “digital arrest” scam — and the husband died of shock shortly afterwards. The fraud involved perpetrators impersonating police and investigation-agency officials who coerced the victims into believing they were under investigation and digital custody.
According to police sources, the scam began when the couple received a phone call from someone claiming to be a high-ranking official of the Mumbai police or central agency. The fraudsters insisted that the couple’s bank account and Aadhaar number had been tied to a money-laundering or drug-trafficking investigation. They were placed under so-called “digital arrest”: forced to appear on video call, to keep the camera on 24 × 7, and told not to contact anyone. Under threat of legal action and reputational ruin, the couple transferred large sums — including fixed deposits and savings — to multiple accounts controlled by the criminals.
When the husband realised the enormity of the loss, he collapsed at home and died soon after, leaving his wife in shock and trauma. She later approached the cyber-crime branch and registered a complaint.
Cyber officials warn that such digital-arrest scams are rising sharply in Maharashtra, particularly targeting senior citizens who are isolated or fearful of legal consequences. They urge citizens to stay vigilant: no genuine agency will demand money to avoid arrest over the phone, and no “virtual custody” is valid. Anyone receiving such calls should disconnect, check independently through official channels, and report to cyber-crime police immediately.
