In a shocking incident, Vardhman Group Chairman SP Oswal was allegedly duped of ₹7 crore by a sophisticated gang of inter-state cyber fraudsters. The Punjab Police have cracked down on the operation, arresting two members of the gang and recovering a substantial ₹5.25 crore.
The fraudsters employed a cunning tactic, preying on Oswal’s vulnerability with threats and deception. One of the perpetrators posed as a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer, presenting a fake arrest warrant and warning Oswal of impending digital arrest. The pressure of this fabricated threat led Oswal to withdraw a significant amount of money from his bank accounts.
The police, swift in their action, solved the case within 48 hours of receiving Oswal’s complaint. The cyber cell of the Ludhiana Police identified the culprits as Atanoo Choudhary and Anand Kumar Choudhary, both residents of Guwahati, Assam. The police are actively investigating the remaining seven members of the gang, who have been identified and are believed to be from Assam and West Bengal.
This incident comes just a week after a local industrialist, Rajnish Ahuja, was duped of ₹1.01 crore by a similar group of fraudsters. Ahuja was also threatened with arrest, with the fraudsters claiming an extortion amount was transferred to his bank account.
These cases highlight the growing threat of sophisticated cybercrime. The use of impersonation, fake warrants, and threats of digital arrest underscore the need for heightened vigilance and awareness amongst individuals and businesses. The successful apprehension of the perpetrators in this case serves as a testament to the Punjab Police’s commitment to combatting such cyber threats and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
