UP Police Rescues Doctor from 7-Hour Digital Arrest By Cybercriminals at Hotel

On January 11 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a group of scammers posing as CBI officers held Dr. Najbul Hasan, who runs a private polyclinic in the area, under “digital arrest” for seven hours in a hotel room. The incident took place in a residential area under the jurisdiction of the Baradari police station. This highlights the growing danger of cybercrime and the crucial role of timely police intervention. 

The doctor received a distressing call from a scammer on January 11, impersonating a CBI officer, threatening him that fraudulent transactions worth crores of rupees had been conducted using the doctor’s Aadhaar card and bank account and warned him to be arrested within 24 hours by the Delhi CBI agency unless Dr. Hasan complied with specific instructions. 

The doctor was instructed to leave his home immediately, isolate himself, and check into a hotel. However, Dr. Hasan before leaving wisely left a crucial note at his home, detailing the alleged fraudulent activities and the threats he had received. In fear, he then checked into a hotel 10 kilometers away from his home, carrying only a camera and mobile phone.

THE EVENT AT THE HOTEL AND TIMELY POLICE INTERVENTION:

At the hotel, the scammers engaged in a video call with the doctor posing as police officers and pressurized him into providing personal details. Meanwhile, his family members found the note and immediately contacted the police. 

SP City Manus Pareek with his police team acted promptly on this matter and arrived at the scene, by tracing down Dr. Hasan’s location using his mobile phone signal. However, the doctor refused to open the door, as he was still under the scammer's commands on a video call. The situation reached a point where Dr. Hasan was on the verge of disclosing his OTP (One-Time Password) to transfer funds that could have resulted in significant financial losses. At this time the police team acted swiftly, by gaining the doctor’s trust and managed to open the door. The Bareilly police officers immediately took the phone and broke the criminal’s hold over the doctor. 

The authorities are conducting further investigation and urged the public to remain alert against similar scams. This incident commends the forethought action by Dr. Hasan in leaving a note and timely intervention by the Bareilly police and the doctor’s family members.

(Input from various media sources)

(Rehash/ Dr Disha Merlyn Mathias/MSM)