New Delhi | January 11, 2026

A senior doctor couple residing in south Delhi’s Greater Kailash was allegedly defrauded of nearly ₹14 crore after cybercriminals reportedly kept them under a so-called “digital arrest” for over two weeks, police said. The fraud reportedly occurred between December 24 and January 9, during which the accused impersonated law enforcement officials and coerced the couple into transferring large sums of money to multiple bank accounts.

An e-FIR has been registered, and the Delhi Police cybercrime unit has launched a detailed investigation into the case.

Impersonation and Pressure Tactics

Victim Indira Taneja recounted that the ordeal began on December 24 around noon with a phone call from an individual claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller informed her that her phone number was to be disconnected due to complaints of obscene calls.

“They accused me of money laundering and said an FIR and arrest warrants had been issued in Maharashtra,” Taneja said. She added that she was then connected via video call to a man in a police uniform. Banners reading “Colaba Police” were visible behind the caller, adding to the perceived authenticity of the scam.

During the video call, the fraudster alleged that a Canara Bank account in her name had been used in a major fraud linked to national security. The accused maintained that the matter was serious and insisted that she had to travel to Mumbai for further proceedings.

Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Taneja said the couple had returned from the United States and had been living in Greater Kailash since 2016. Their children live abroad, a factor investigators believe was exploited by the fraudsters to isolate and pressure the victims.

When the couple explained that her husband was recovering from surgery at AIIMS and unable to travel, the scammers offered an alternative. “They said they would keep verifying me and would release me quickly, similar to bail verification, but until then, verification was necessary,” Taneja said.

The victims were allegedly instructed not to contact anyone outside the scammers during this period, effectively keeping them under continuous psychological pressure.

Financial Loss and Discovery

Despite repeatedly informing the callers about their medical condition, the couple was pressured into transferring money over the two-week period. According to police, the fraud resulted in a total loss of ₹14.85 crore.

The scam came to light only after the calls abruptly stopped on January 9, prompting the couple to approach authorities. Delhi Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace the bank accounts and individuals involved in the alleged scam.

Police Statement

A senior Delhi Police official said the case involves impersonation of law enforcement officers and coercion through digital communication, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud targeting vulnerable individuals. Authorities are also examining possible links to other similar cases to prevent further exploitation.

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