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A 75-year-old retired government doctor in Lucknow has fallen victim to a major cyber fraud, losing Rs 1.55 crore after scammers posed as law enforcement officials.

The victim, Dr. Zia Sultana, a former state health services officer, received a call on April 11 from an individual claiming to be a police inspector. The caller alleged that her Aadhaar number had been linked to illegal and terrorist activities.

The fraudsters escalated the pressure by impersonating officials from agencies such as the National Investigation Agency and the Anti-Terrorism Squad, warning her of severe legal consequences. They instructed her to obtain a “clearance certificate” and cautioned her against sharing the matter with anyone.

Living alone and alarmed by the threats, Dr. Sultana followed their instructions. Over the next seven days, she was subjected to what is commonly described as “digital arrest,” during which she transferred money in multiple transactions to accounts provided by the fraudsters.

In total, she transferred Rs.1.55 crore in four installments. The scammers assured her the amount would be refunded after verification, but later cut off all communication.

Upon realising the fraud, she approached the police, who have now registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities are tracing the transaction trail in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible.