Hamirpur: Cyber Fraudsters “Digitally Arrest” Retired Officer Couple, Loses Rs 80,000

February 23, 2026

Hamirpur: In Hamirpur, cyber fraudsters posed as Anti-Terrorist Cell officers and “digitally arrested” a 78-year-old retired officer and his wife, scaring them over alleged involvement in terrorist activities related to the Delhi bombings. The criminals forced the couple to transfer Rs 80,000 online and break their fixed deposit of Rs 6 lakh.

Bank Alertness Thwarts Major Fraud

When the couple visited ICICI Bank to process the FD, branch manager Manish Manu suspected foul play. He intervened, spoke to the fraudsters over the phone, informed the family, and secured the account. Cyber police were notified, and a new account was opened for the retired officer.

Police Advice: Beware of “Digital Arrest” Scams

Balveer Thakur advised citizens that no such process as digital arrest exists. Residents should never share personal or bank information over suspicious calls and must immediately report them to police or their bank branch.

This case follows similar incidents in Himachal Pradesh:

January 2026: Retired officer duped of Rs16.53 lakh.

Last year: Retired officer cheated of Rs 82 lakh in Hamirpur.

Authorities have warned that cybercriminals continue to target retired government employees using various tactics, including threatening calls and fake documents over video calls.