New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three persons, following raids at seven locations across Odisha and Rajasthan in connection with a “digital arrest” cyber fraud in which a retired public servant was allegedly duped of Rs 2.07 crore.
The arrested accused have been identified as Bibekananda Dixit and Jayant Kumar Acharya, both from Baleshwar district in Odisha, and Kanhaiya Lal from Nagaur in Rajasthan.
The CBI registered the case on March 25, 2026, following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The victim, a retired government employee, was allegedly targeted by fraudsters who impersonated officials from law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The scammers used threats of “digital arrest,” fabricated legal documents, and intimidating video calls or communications to coerce the victim into transferring the large sum.
“The investigation revealed that the defrauded funds were routed into a bank account opened in the name of a trust. Two accused have been arrested from Baleshar, Odisha, while the third accused was apprehended from Nagaur, Rajasthan. They were actively involved in layering and transferring proceeds of crime from the victim through multiple accounts,” said the agency.
Searches were carried out on June 30, during which the agency seized incriminating documents, electronic devices, and other evidence expected to provide further leads into the broader network.
The agency has cautioned the public to remain vigilant against such impersonation calls, fake investment schemes, and threats of digital arrests. Authorities advise verifying any such claims through official channels and reporting suspicious activity immediately to cybercrime helplines.
