Wed Feb 26 05:31:05 UTC 2025: ## Odisha University Vice Chancellor Scammed Out of ₹14 Lakh in Digital Arrest Fraud
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha – February 26, 2025** – Geetanjali Dash, Vice Chancellor of Berhampur University, has become the latest victim of a digital arrest scam, losing ₹14 lakh to fraudsters. The scam, which involves perpetrators posing as law enforcement officials investigating a fictitious hawala case, continues to plague citizens despite repeated warnings.
Ms. Dash reported to Berhampur cyber police that she was manipulated over several days, with the fraudsters controlling her schedule and interactions. They claimed to be part of a Supreme Court-monitored investigation and threatened her with arrest unless she transferred her savings. Terrified, Ms. Dash complied, transferring the ₹14 lakh to a designated account.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police, Saravana Vivek M, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to trace the money. He highlighted a similar case where a Berhampur trader was defrauded of ₹35 lakh, with ₹18 lakh subsequently recovered. Two suspects arrested in Gujarat in an unrelated case are linked to that incident, and police are seeking their transit remand. If the investigation is successful, the trader may recover their lost funds.
This incident underscores the ongoing threat of digital arrest scams and serves as a stark reminder to the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and report any suspicious calls or interactions immediately to the police.
First Piper 