Hyderabad: Cybercriminal posing as `IPS officer Daya Nayak’ extorts Rs 33.4L from elderly man

Hyderabad: A 73-year-old man from Bowenpally, Hyderabad, lost Rs 33,40,000 in a cyber fraud scam.

Scammers posed as law enforcement and senior government officials used threats, fake documents, and intimidation tactics to trap the elderly man.

Fraud begins with fake Police call

The ordeal started on July 25, 2025, when the victim received a call from a man claiming to be Inspector Gourav Sarathi from the Karnataka Crime Branch.

The caller alleged that the victim’s Aadhaar had been misused in a criminal case linked to obscene content and human trafficking.

To convince the victim, the fraudster shared forged legal documents and invoked the National Secrets Act, 1923, warning the couple to maintain secrecy.

IPS impersonation and financial coercion

Soon after, another fraudster entered the picture, introducing himself as IPS officer Daya Nayak. He pressured the victim to deposit Rs 15,00,000 for “fund verification.”

Over the following days, further demands were made under various pretexts, with the victim transferring money in multiple installments.

Fake court and IT documents

To maintain credibility, the scammers sent fabricated documents supposedly issued by the Supreme Court of India and the Income Tax Department.

Adding to the deception, a third impersonator claiming to be a Supreme Court auditor assured the victim that the funds would be refunded after verification.

Victim realizes fraud

Between July 25 and August 8, 2025, the victim transferred a total of Rs 33,40,000. When communication ceased and the fraudsters became untraceable, the distressed family finally approached the authorities.

It was only then that the victim discovered he had been ensnared in a cyber fraud racket.

Police Advisory

Cybercrime investigators have taken up the case and urged the public to stay vigilant against such “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials and exploit fear to extract money.

Citizens are advised never to respond to such threatening calls and to verify any official communication directly with law enforcement.