Two Maharashtra Men Arrested in ₹6.6 Lakh ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam That Led to Retired Doctor’s Death

Hyderabad: In a heartbreaking case where cybercrime turned deadly, Hyderabad Cybercrime police have arrested two men from Maharashtra for their role in a ₹6.6 lakh ‘digital arrest’ scam that claimed the life of a retired government doctor.

The accused have been identified as 38-year-old Shankar Supur from Kolhapur and 35-year-old Vishwas Dattatraya Miraje from Sangli. According to police, Supur allegedly handled the bank account used in the fraud, while Miraje helped arrange it for the scam network.

How the Fraudsters Trapped the Victim

The retired doctor was contacted by callers pretending to be law enforcement officials. They used fake documents and official-sounding threats, accusing him of being involved in illegal activities. The scammers warned him that he would be arrested immediately if he didn’t cooperate.

Terrified by the constant pressure—a tactic popularly known as “digital arrest”—the victim was forced to transfer ₹6.6 lakh to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

Unfortunately, the extreme stress and mental trauma proved too much. The doctor reportedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, turning what seemed like just another cyber fraud into a tragedy.

Investigation and Police Action

Cybercrime officials followed the money trail and traced it back to Supur and Miraje. Both were arrested for helping facilitate the financial transactions for the fraud gang.

Police believe this duo is linked to a larger interstate cybercrime ring that specialises in digital arrest scams — a rapidly growing form of cyber extortion where victims are psychologically trapped through video or phone call intimidation.

Police Appeal to the Public

Authorities have issued a strong warning to citizens:

No government or law enforcement agency will ever demand money or threaten arrest over a phone call.