Pune: ‘I’m Vishwas Nangare Patil’: Retired Teacher Couple Loses Rs 68.8 Lakh in Month-Long ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Pune, 9th September 2026: A retired teacher couple from Khed taluka in Pune district allegedly lost ₹68.80 lakh after cyber fraudsters posing as police officials kept them under a month-long “digital arrest” and threatened them with arrest in a fake financial crime case.

The 74-year-old retired woman teacher and her husband were allegedly manipulated by the fraudsters, who initially posed as police officers before impersonating senior IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil.

The alleged fraud continued from July 29 to September 1, with the couple eventually transferring ₹68.80 lakh to accounts controlled by the accused. The couple later realised they had been duped after seeing the real Nangare Patil on television.

Fraudsters Posed as Police Officers
According to the complaint, the ordeal began on July 29 when the retired teacher received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller, dressed in a police uniform, introduced himself as Sub-Inspector Sandeep Rao from Mumbai’s Worli Police Station.

The caller allegedly told her that illegal transactions worth ₹2 crore had taken place through a bank account linked to her and that a criminal case was being registered against her.

Although the woman denied any involvement, the accused allegedly continued to threaten and pressure her.

Another person subsequently joined the video call and claimed to be senior IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil. The impersonator allegedly spoke to the couple for nearly two hours and obtained details of their bank accounts, post office deposits, LIC policies and gold jewellery.

Couple Forced to Transfer Savings
The fraudsters allegedly told the couple that their money had to be transferred to a government account for “verification” and would be returned once the investigation was completed.

Fearing arrest, the couple initially transferred ₹40 lakh from their post office deposits. They were later allegedly forced to raise additional money by pledging their gold jewellery and transfer those funds as well.

The accused also allegedly instructed the couple to remain inside their home and send a WhatsApp message stating, “I am safe at home,” every two hours. They were reportedly warned that leaving the house would lead to their arrest and imprisonment.

When the couple sought the return of their money, the fraudsters allegedly claimed that the case was nearing its conclusion and persuaded them to break their LIC policies and transfer more funds.

The alleged fraud continued until September 1, resulting in a total loss of ₹68.80 lakh.

Couple Realises They Were Duped
The fraud came to light on September 4 when the couple was watching television coverage of Dahi Handi celebrations and saw the real Vishwas Nangare Patil.

They allegedly noticed that the officer’s face and voice were different from those of the person who had appeared during their video calls. Realising that they had been deceived, the couple approached Khed police and lodged a complaint.

Police are investigating the bank accounts and mobile numbers allegedly used by the fraudsters.

Police Warn Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
In a “digital arrest” scam, fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the police, CBI, ED or NCB and falsely claim that the victim is involved in a serious criminal case. The accused then use threats, intimidation and prolonged video calls to isolate victims and pressure them into transferring money.

Police have repeatedly clarified that genuine investigating agencies do not arrest people through video calls or ask them to transfer money for “verification”.

Citizens who receive suspicious calls should avoid sharing bank details, OTPs or other personal information and immediately report the incident to the police or the 1930 cybercrime helpline.