NRI doctor couple falls victim to ₹15 crore 'digital arrest' scam after returning from US

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : A shocking case of cyber fraud has come to light in the capital, Delhi. Cybercriminals duped an elderly NRI doctor couple of ₹14.85 crore by placing them under so-called "digital arrest" for approximately 15 days. The victims have been identified as Dr. Om Taneja and his wife, Dr. Indira Taneja.

Both doctors spent nearly 48 years in the United States, serving in United Nations (UN)-related roles. After retirement, they returned to India in 2015 and have been active in social service and charity work ever since.

According to police, the fraud began on December 24, 2025, when the couple received a phone call. The callers, claiming to be officers from law enforcement agencies, threatened them with arrest warrants and false criminal charges. The fraudsters made serious allegations related to money laundering and national security, citing laws like the PMLA, which inflicted mental intimidation on the couple.

Surveillance through video calls for 15 days

From December 24 to the morning of January 10, the fraudsters continuously monitored the couple through video calls. The police are calling this entire method 'digital arrest'. During this time, the fraudsters pressurized Dr. Indira Taneja to transfer money to different bank accounts. Sometimes an amount of Rs 2 crore and sometimes more than Rs 2.10 crore was sent. In this way, a total of Rs 14.85 crore was transferred to eight different accounts.

77-year-old Dr. Indira Taneja told the police that the fraudsters kept an eye on her every activity. Whenever she tried to go out of the house or contact someone, the fraudsters would immediately start a video call on her husband's phone. Before going to the bank, she was made to memorize a false story so that she could tell the same to the bank employees if needed. Once the bank manager even questioned her about transferring such a huge amount, but due to fear, she gave the same answer which the fraudsters had taught her.

The secret was revealed as soon as they reached the police station

The matter came to light on January 10, when the fraudsters asked the couple to go to the nearest police station. The fraudsters claimed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would refund their entire amount and the police had already been informed about it. Dr. Indira Taneja reached the police station while still on a video call and even allowed the fraudsters to talk to the SHO of the police station. During the conversation, the callers' rude behavior towards the policemen raised suspicion among the officers, after which the entire fraud was exposed.

Police are investigating

Police have registered a case and are attempting to identify the cyber fraudsters and recover the money. Following this incident, police have appealed to citizens to immediately contact their local police or cyber cell if they receive any threatening calls or video calls demanding money.