Bidhannagar Cyber Police arrest two for posing as Mumbai CID to extort ₹25 lakh from woman

In a major breakthrough, Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police have arrested two key masterminds in a digital extortion racket, bringing relief to victims of online scams. The duo, operating from Haryana, had allegedly impersonated Mumbai CID officers to extort ₹25 lakh from a woman in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

According to the police, the accused contacted the woman over a phone call and falsely claimed she had filed a fraudulent complaint and that a non-bailable warrant had been issued in her name. They added that she would be arrested and fined unless she paid ₹25 lakh immediately to settle the matter. Panicked and unaware of the scam, the woman transferred the money.

Only after the transaction did the woman realize she had been duped. She then approached the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station and lodged an official complaint. Based on her statement and technical investigation, police traced the fraudsters to Haryana using their mobile number.

A special team was dispatched, and both accused were arrested and brought back to Kolkata. They were produced in court on Tuesday and remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Investigators suspect the duo to be part of a larger cybercrime syndicate targeting victims across India using fear tactics.

The case highlights a growing trend in cybercrime where fraudsters exploit official identities and legal threats to extort money. Police have urged citizens to remain calm in such situations and verify claims before making any financial transactions.

Authorities are now tracking digital trails to identify other members of the gang and uncover the full scale of the operation.