Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The CBI in Delhi has filed a chargesheet against an Axis Bank deputy manager and a businessman in connection with one of the largest cases of fraud carried out under the guise of “digital arrest,” with the accused identified as deputy manager Umar Iqbal and Umar Ahmad Dar, owner of Messrs Himalayan Enterprises, both residents of Pulwama.
Rs 1.60 Crore Fraud Traced to Businessman’s Account
During its investigation, the CBI found that cyber criminals had defrauded a senior citizen in Delhi of Rs 1.60 crore under the pretext of a digital arrest, with the funds transferred into the account of Himalayan Enterprises before being withdrawn. Investigators found that the firm had knowingly provided its bank account to cybercriminals as part of a premeditated scheme.
Deputy Manager Allegedly Facilitated Withdrawals in Exchange for Money
The CBI further found that the Axis Bank deputy manager violated banking norms to assist in operating the account and withdrawing the funds, allegedly receiving payment in return for his role. Both individuals were arrested during the course of the investigation, following which the CBI filed a chargesheet against them in the court of a special judge in Delhi.
Victim Held Under ‘Digital Arrest’ for Days, Duped Using Fake Court Orders
The case originated when cybercriminals kept the senior citizen victim under a so-called “digital arrest” for several days, confining them at home while falsely accusing them of serious crimes and extorting money under the pretense of protecting them, posing as CBI and ED officials. The fraudsters reportedly created fake court orders and sent them to the victim to lend credibility to their threats.
SC Intervention Led to CBI Taking Over the Case
After discovering the fraud, the victim had filed a complaint at the local police station, but with no progress in the investigation, they approached the Supreme Court. Following a hearing, the Supreme Court transferred the case to the CBI, which subsequently registered an FIR and began its investigation.
