45 lakhs looted by trapping a businessman in ‘digital arrest’ for 8 years: They used to cheat by posing as fake officers, now the secret is out
Eight Years of Digital Terror: How a Scam Ring Defrauded a Businessman of ₹45 Lakh-This gripping tale unfolds the story of a businessman who fell victim to a sophisticated scam ring, losing a staggering ₹45 lakh over eight long years. The criminals, posing as CBI officers, judges, lawyers, and police officials, used digital threats and intimidation to extort money.
The Trap Begins: A Businessman’s Nightmare-The nightmare began in 2017 when Ashish Tamrakar, son of a BJP leader in Anuppur, was targeted. Ashish, an electronics retailer and commodities investor, became a prime target after the scammers learned of his substantial financial holdings. They falsely accused him of hawala transactions and used intimidation to transfer ₹23 lakh into their accounts. This marked the beginning of a prolonged ordeal of fear and financial loss.
A Web of Deception: Digital Arrest and Constant Threats-Using fake identities and burner phones, the gang created a digital prison for Ashish. Simulated police sirens, recordings of judges and CBI officers, and fake calls created a constant atmosphere of fear. The threat of arrest was a recurring tool, used to extort more money from the terrified businessman over the years.
The Net Tightens: Investigation and Arrest-In June 2025, Ashish finally reported the crime. Police, using mobile location data, arrested one of the culprits, Saurabh Sharma, in Vidisha. Documents, phones, and laptops related to the scam were seized. The investigation is ongoing, aiming to dismantle the entire criminal network.
The Masterminds and the Loose Ends-Tragically, the main perpetrators, Mahendra Sharma and Ravi Deharia, are deceased. Mahendra was murdered in 2022, and Ravi died in a road accident a few months ago. Both had prior criminal records. The search for other members of the gang continues.
The Ghost of RB Traders: A Shifting Network-The scam ring operated under the guise of fake companies like ‘RB Traders’ and ‘Tirupati Fintech’ in Bhopal. Suspecting scrutiny, they relocated to Vidisha, continuing their operations under new names. The group used multiple numbers and bank accounts to maintain anonymity and evade detection.
The SP’s Revelation: A Well-Orchestrated Scam-Anuppur SP Motiur Rahman revealed that the gang operated with meticulous planning. They used digital arrests and other innovative techniques to intimidate victims. Saurabh Sharma was also involved in land deals and other private transactions, highlighting the group’s diverse criminal activities. The gang worked as a cohesive unit, carefully targeting and trapping their victims.
