Another case of digital capture by cyber criminals was reported in Regal Paradise Colony in the capital, where an elderly doctor couple was held hostage for 48 hours over video calls.
Even had to ask permission to go to the washroom. The suspect, who claimed to be a CBI officer, threatened to implicate the couple in a money laundering case and said the bank account had been misused. The scared woman also transferred Rs 10.50 lakh to the suspect’s account through NEFT on Thursday.
The complaint about the case reached the Bhopal police on Friday. The couple was then rescued. During this conversation, there was a heated argument between the fake CBI officer and the real police over a video call. The suspect told the police not to interfere with our work.
Ragini Mishra (65) and her husband Maheshchandra Mishra (67) live in flat number 708 on the seventh floor of Regal Paradise Phase-2. Both are doctors and were previously stationed in Kanpur. They have been living in Bhopal for the past four years.
Ragini told the police that she had gone for a morning walk in the colony on Wednesday morning and when she returned, she received a call. The caller introduced himself as a CBI officer.
He said your personal bank account is being used for money laundering. Rs 427 crore has entered into it illegally. A Korean airline has made several transactions on this account.
The suspects wore police uniforms and CBI banners were put up
When I said I didn’t have an account with the bank, he told me that your Aadhaar card was used to open the account. Other accounts have also been opened with it. They are all used for illegal activities and when I clarified this, the suspect spoke to me via video call. He was wearing a police uniform and the background resembled an officer’s room. Banners with CBI written on them were also visible. He said you look like a good woman. You are being slandered in newspapers and media. We will investigate the matter.
The suspect has assured the victim that the matter will be investigated. If you are innocent, you will not be arrested. If you cooperate with the investigation, we will help you further. They were told to remain under online supervision. They were asked to return home. Later, the victim’s home was monitored using 360-degree cameras.
They were asked to stay in a room. Where they locked themselves up. When the husband returned, he was informed about the matter. The husband spoke to the suspect. They also talked to him and asked him to cooperate in the investigation. After this, the man and woman were held in digital captivity and monitored 24 hours a day.
Even had to ask permission to go to the washroom. They were reprimanded for being gone for even a few minutes. They were not allowed to attend anyone’s call. The couple remained hostage from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 2 p.m. Friday.
