Senior Advocate Trapped in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam: Fraudsters Pose as ATS Officers, Demand ₹10 Lakh Ransom — Police Rescue Just in Time

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Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 75-year-old senior advocate from Bhopal narrowly escaped being duped of ₹10 lakh after fraudsters posing as officers of the Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) held him “digitally hostage” for nearly four hours.

The victim, Advocate Shamsul Hasan, a reputed legal practitioner residing in the Housing Board Colony of the Koh-e-Fiza area, received a call on Sunday afternoon from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as an ATS Inspector from Pune and accused Hasan of being involved in the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025.

Threats and Psychological Pressure

The impostor claimed that Hasan’s name had surfaced during the investigation of the Pahalgam attack and that the matter could only be “settled” by paying ₹10 lakh. The caller warned the senior lawyer not to leave his room or speak to anyone until the “interrogation” was over.

Throughout the next four hours, the fraudsters made 15–20 threatening calls, subjecting the elderly lawyer to intense psychological pressure. Convinced that he was under real investigation, Hasan became silent and visibly disturbed.

Family’s Quick Thinking Saved Him

Sensing something was wrong, his wife repeatedly questioned him until he revealed the details of the call. Alarmed, she immediately contacted their younger son, Zia-ul-Hasan, who rushed home and informed the Koh-e-Fiza Police Station about the ongoing situation.

Upon receiving the alert, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhinav Chouksey and his team swiftly reached the spot. They counseled the frightened advocate, assuring him that it was an elaborate cyber scam designed to extort money through fear.

Police Warning and Awareness Message

Police officials emphasized that citizens should remain alert to such “digital arrest” scams, where cybercriminals impersonate government or security officials to intimidate victims.
They urged people not to share personal details or make payments under pressure and to immediately report any such incidents to the nearest police station or the Cyber Helpline (1930).

Thanks to the family’s alertness and prompt police action, Advocate Shamsul Hasan was saved from losing ₹10 lakh and from further trauma — a timely reminder of how awareness and quick reporting can foil modern-day digital extortion traps.