Jalpaiguri (Aug 1, 2025): A businessman from West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri lost ₹15 lakh in a cyber scam after fraudsters posing as Maharashtra Police officers tricked him into believing his mobile number was linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Thanks to the swift action of the Jalpaiguri Cyber Police, ₹11.5 lakh of the defrauded amount was successfully recovered and returned to the victim.
The Scam: Video Call Threat and Fake Arrest
The victim, identified as Jhantu Bose, received a video call from someone claiming to be a Maharashtra Police officer. The fraudster alleged that Bose’s number was connected to the Pahalgam terror attack and declared that he was being “digitally arrested” for seven days.
To make the threat appear real, the scammer displayed Bose’s Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank account details during the call. Terrified, Bose was told he would be under house arrest unless he paid ₹15 lakh to clear his name and avoid arrest.
Fearing for his safety, Bose withdrew the amount from his fixed deposit and transferred it to the fraudsters via RTGS.
Police Intervention and Recovery
When the fraudsters demanded more money, Bose grew suspicious and approached the Jalpaiguri Cyber Crime unit. Investigators quickly traced the funds and discovered that the scammers were operating from Cambodia.
Authorities froze the recipient bank account and managed to recover ₹11.5 lakh. The amount was later handed back to Bose.
Police Warn Against Sophisticated Scams
Jalpaiguri SP Umesh Ganpat Khandbahale said:
“Cyber frauds like these prey on fear and emotions. The criminals used highly intimidating tactics, but our cyber team acted swiftly to track the funds and help the victim recover most of the amount.”
Police have urged citizens to stay alert and report such scams immediately, especially when pressured through threats or demands involving law enforcement impersonation.
