Pune Senior Citizen Duped of Rs 6.29 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam; One Accused Nabbed in Midnight Raid
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 31st May 2025: In a major breakthrough in a fast-growing category of online fraud, Pune City Police have busted a high-stakes ‘digital arrest’ scam involving multiple accused and fraudulent transactions amounting to ₹6.29 crore. One of the prime suspects, Tushar Harishchandra Vajantri, was arrested after a midnight chase and trap laid by the Pune cyber police team in Panvel, despite heavy rainfall.
Senior Citizen Duped in Fake Money Laundering Case
The case originated when a senior citizen from Pune was contacted via WhatsApp between November 9 and 19, 2024, by individuals pretending to be law enforcement officials. The fraudsters falsely accused the victim of being involved in a money laundering case. Claiming to be investigating officers, they manipulated the victim emotionally and psychologically, convincing him that he had been “digitally arrested” and needed to cooperate to avoid further legal trouble.
Through this elaborate criminal conspiracy, the fraudsters extorted a total of ₹6.29 crore under the pretext of legal questioning and compliance.
Money Trail Leads to Construction Business Accounts
During investigation, cyber sleuths discovered that a portion of the defrauded amount—₹20 lakh—had been transferred on November 11, 2024, to an HDFC Bank account linked to Dhawir Construction, based in Kokban, Taluka Roha, Raigad district. Notably, the accused had also made fixed deposits (FDs) of ₹90 lakh and ₹20 lakh from the defrauded funds.
Upon further technical scrutiny of bank and mobile data, the Cyber Police identified the account holders as Harishchandra Changu Vajantri and his son Tushar Harishchandra Vajantri, both associated with the construction business. The accused had reportedly gone into hiding after sensing police movement in the area.
Midnight Operation in Konkan Rains Leads to Arrest
Acting on a confidential tip-off, the Cyber Police team tracked Tushar Vajantri to the Aishwarya Resort area in Morb village, Panvel. In a coordinated and daring operation carried out in the heavy Konkan rains, the team successfully arrested him late at night. He was immediately brought before the Court and has been remanded to five days of police custody.
Accused Linked to Multiple Cyber Crime Cases Nationwide
So far, the investigation has uncovered five separate complaints against the accused registered on the National Cyber Crime Portal, spanning across different states, indicating a pan-India digital fraud network.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Harishchandra Changu Vajantri, who is currently absconding. The Pune Cyber Police and Kerala Police are coordinating closely in their manhunt, suggesting possible involvement in other regional fraud cases.
Operation Led by Top Officials
This action was executed under the leadership of:
- Amitesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Pune City
- Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Joint Commissioner of Police
- Pankaj Deshmukh, Addl. Commissioner of Police (Crime)
- Vivek Masal, DCP (Economic and Cyber Crimes)
- Machhindra Khade, ACP (Economic and Cyber Crimes)
- Swapnali Shinde, Sr. PI, Cyber Police Station, Pune City
The ground team that played a vital role in the operation included police personnel Rajudas Chavan, Mundhe, Konde, Balasaheb Chavan, Janvi Bhadekar, Sandeep Pawar, Sandeep Yadav, Sachin Shide, and Satish Mandhare.
What Is a ‘Digital Arrest’?
A ‘digital arrest’ is a rising form of cyber fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement agencies or legal entities over video or messaging platforms. Victims are falsely told they are under investigation and coerced into transferring money under pressure of legal consequences. This scam often targets elderly or vulnerable individuals.
Citizens Cautioned Against Digital Extortion Tactics
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing personal or financial details over phone or WhatsApp. Any suspicious calls or messages impersonating officials should be immediately reported to the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
