Cybercrime Targets Vice Chancellor; Police Crack Down on Pan-India Fraud Gang
Berhampur/Etawah – In a shocking case of cybercrime, fraudsters posing as Enforcement Directorate officers duped the Vice Chancellor of Odisha’s Berhampur University, Geetanjali Dash, out of ₹14 lakh.The accused had allegedly placed her under a “digital arrest” and manipulated her into transferring the large sum under the pretext of a money laundering investigation.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The accused, later identified as Bhutaiya Jenil Jaysukhbhai (23) and Vishwajeetsinh Gohil (21) from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, posed as senior officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Cybercriminals placed the VC under what they call a “digital arrest” — a tactic to isolate victims digitally and mentally — from February 14 to February 22. During this time, they pressured her into transferring ₹14 lakh for a so-called “priority investigation.”
To gain her trust, the fraudsters returned ₹80,000 as a token of credibility, but they never reimbursed the remaining amount. Sensing foul play, Dash filed a police complaint on February 24, triggering an intensive investigation.
Swift Police Action: Arrests Made in Gujarat
After tracking digital trails and communication logs, the Berhampur Police, led by Superintendent Saravana Vivek M, traced the accused to Bhavnagar in Gujarat and arrested them earlier last week.
Police seized multiple mobile phones, Aadhaar cards, and other incriminating documents from the suspects. Investigations revealed that the two were part of a larger cybercrime syndicate operating across India.
Nationwide Cybercrime Network Under Scanner
We are actively pursuing other members of this network and trying to map the full money trail,” said SP Saravana Vivek M.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing reach of cybercriminals and their evolving tactics to target even high-ranking individuals.
📢 Stay Alert!
Authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant and not to respond to suspicious calls from individuals claiming to be from law enforcement or financial regulatory agencies.
