Rajasthan Police have detained a suspect in an alleged ₹2.5 crore digital arrest fraud that targeted a 90‑year‑old retired district judge, officials said. The investigation is ongoing after earlier arrests and co‑operation with law enforcement in Kerala.
What investigators say
Police have taken into custody Ebin Basil, a resident of Elamakkara in Kochi, in connection with the case, Kochi City Police confirmed. His detention follows the earlier arrest of Anand Babu, a resident of Mannamthuruthu in Varapuzha, as Rajasthan Police continue to probe the network allegedly involved in receiving and moving the fraudulently obtained funds.
According to Rajasthan Police, the retired judge — identified in reporting as Ganpat Singh Bhandari — lost about ₹2.5 crore after suspects impersonated officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and a manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The accused allegedly threatened the victim with arrest and maintained what investigators describe as a digital arrest for approximately 15 days in August 2026 to coerce compliance and extract money.
How the alleged fraud worked and the probe so far
- Investigators say the fraudsters impersonated government and bank officials to intimidate the victim.
- Money was allegedly transferred into bank accounts held by accused persons in Kerala, prompting cooperation between Rajasthan and Kochi police.
- Authorities are examining whether more individuals were involved and are tracing the movement of funds.
Rajasthan Police said their investigation indicates accounts in Kerala were used to receive the funds, and officials are probing the roles of additional suspects. The precise roles attributed to each detained person have not been detailed publicly by the police.
What is a digital arrest scam
Digital arrest frauds typically involve criminals impersonating law‑enforcement or government officials, then using threats of arrest, legal action or other coercion to force victims to transfer money. Victims may be told not to contact family or police, or that they must hand over funds to clear alleged charges. These scams exploit fear, the perceived authority of official agencies and limitations in victims’ ability to verify identity immediately.
Given the police statements and arrests, the case highlights both the persistence of impersonation scams and the cross‑jurisdictional nature of investigations when funds are moved through accounts in other states. Rajasthan Police said inquiries are continuing and that more people from Kerala may be involved.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Alleged loss | ₹2.5 crore |
| Victim | 90‑year‑old retired district judge (Ganpat Singh Bhandari) |
| Arrests reported | Anand Babu (Varapuzha), Ebin Basil (Elamakkara, Kochi) |
| Method | Impersonation of CBI and RBI officials; digital arrest and threats for ~15 days (August 2026) |
The case underscores the continuing threat posed by social‑engineering scams aimed at extracting large sums, especially from elderly or vulnerable individuals. Authorities in affected states are investigating transfer trails and potential accomplices as they build the case for prosecution.
