The man was detained at Mumbai International Airport by immigration authorities based on a Look Out Circular issued by the Hyderabad police.
The man was detained at Mumbai International Airport by immigration authorities based on a Look Out Circular issued by the Hyderabad police.
The accused also extracted her sensitive personal information. (Representational)
Hyderabad
A key accused in a high-profile “digital arrest” fraud case was arrested by the Cyber Crime Police in Hyderabad. Aludasu Sudhaker was detained at Mumbai International Airport by immigration authorities based on a Look Out Circular issued by the Hyderabad police.
The 43-year-old is alleged to have been part of an elaborate impersonation scam that targeted a 48-year-old Hyderabad woman. The fraudsters, including Sudhaker and four others previously arrested, posed as officials from government agencies such as the CBI and TRAI. They meticulously constructed a false narrative, implicating the victim in a fictitious money laundering case.
The scam began on November 12, 2024, when the victim received an automated call threatening suspension of her Airtel service. Upon pressing “9,” she was connected to a fake call centre. Over a harrowing two to three-hour period, multiple impersonators, including a woman officer, a fake Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), and a man posing as “CBI officer Rajesh Mishra,” subjected her to intense pressure. They accused her of links to money laundering via fabricated FIRs and coerced her into transferring substantial amounts of money from her fixed deposits, gold loans, and personal loans via RTGS.
The accused also extracted her Aadhaar details and other sensitive personal information, maintaining continuous control through hourly video calls and severe threats of job loss and imprisonment. The victim realised she had been defrauded only later and promptly filed a complaint, leading to the registration of Cr. No. 2808/2025 under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
How to Protect Yourself from “Digital Arrest” Scam
DO THIS:
- Stay Calm – Don’t Panic
Scammers use fear (like claims of illegal activity, customs issues, or money laundering) to trap you. Panic clouds judgment—take a breath and don’t act immediately. - Verify Any Call Claiming to Be From Authorities
Ask for proper ID and call back via official numbers (from government websites or verified sources). No legitimate officer demands money over WhatsApp or Zoom. - Record and Report Immediately
If someone demands money, threatens you, or pretends to be an officer:- Take screenshots
- Record the video/audio
- Report to: cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
- Educate Your Family and Staff
Many victims are professionals, elderly people, or domestic workers. Talk to your family about these scams. - Hang Up If They Demand Confidential Info
No police or customs official will ever ask for:- Your bank details
- OTPs
- UPI PINs
- Video calls for verification
Enable Caller ID Protection Apps
Apps like Truecaller can help identify fake or scam calls.
Use Secure Communication
Always double-check unexpected calls with official institutions via verified email or numbers.
DON’T DO THIS:
- Don’t Transfer Money Under Pressure
Government agencies never ask for money via phone, UPI, or crypto. - Don’t Share Personal Info on Unknown Video Calls
Some scammers ask you to strip on camera or admit to fake crimes—then use it for blackmail (sextortion). Hang up and report. - Don’t Trust Documents or IDs Shared on WhatsApp
Scammers often use fake IDs with logos of Delhi Police, NCB, CBI, or Customs. They’re forged. - Don’t Be Ashamed to Report
Many victims stay silent due to shame or fear. Reporting helps break the chain and protect others.