Daramdin, Soreng | August 2025 — In a shocking case of cybercrime, a 66-year-old man from Daramdin, located in Sikkim’s Soreng district, was defrauded of ₹10 lakh in a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the growing threat of online fraud targeting vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly.
According to police reports, the victim received a phone call from an individual posing as a law enforcement officer. The caller falsely claimed that the man’s Aadhaar number had been misused to open a fraudulent bank account connected to illegal transactions and human trafficking in Uttar Pradesh. Using fear and intimidation, the scammer told the victim he was facing immediate arrest unless he took urgent action to prove his innocence.
Panicked and under pressure, the elderly man agreed to transfer money to “clear his name.” He ultimately sent ₹10 lakh on August 14 to an SBI account in Punjab, registered under the name Manpreet Kaur. The scammers used WhatsApp calls and messages to maintain contact and continue the threats throughout the ordeal.
The case has been officially registered at the Sombaria Police Station as Case No. 09/2025 dated August 22, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Police are currently investigating the incident, tracking the financial transaction trail, and working with telecom providers to identify those involved.
Authorities have issued a public warning, urging citizens to be cautious and not to share personal or financial details over the phone. They emphasized that law enforcement agencies never demand money or issue threats of arrest through phone calls or messages.
Stay Safe – What to Remember:
Government agencies never ask for money over phone or WhatsApp.
If you’re threatened or feel unsure, contact your local police immediately.
Never share your Aadhaar number, bank details, or OTP with unknown callers.
