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A Karnataka government employee from Bagalkot district reportedly lost ₹83.22 lakh in a sophisticated digital-arrest scam. The victim, a 59-year-old government employee, was allegedly contacted by people posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India officials. The fraudsters reportedly claimed that a SIM card linked to the victim’s details had been used to send obscene messages. They allegedly told him that a criminal case had been registered against him in Mumbai. Fake government documents and official-looking letters were reportedly sent to make the claims appear genuine. The victim was then allegedly placed under what the fraudsters described as a digital arrest. Investigators said the fraudsters maintained prolonged communication and psychological pressure over several weeks. The victim reportedly transferred money in multiple stages. According to the complaint, ₹14.61 lakh was transferred from his bank account initially. He was allegedly pressured to sell gold and liquidate investments before transferring another ₹30.61 lakh. The fraudsters then allegedly forced him to create a cryptocurrency wallet. Around ₹38 lakh was reportedly transferred in cryptocurrency. The total reported loss reached ₹83.22 lakh. The case was registered at the Bagalkot CEN police station under provisions of the Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The incident highlights the growing threat of impersonation-based cybercrime. Police have repeatedly warned that genuine government agencies do not place citizens under a so-called digital arrest through video or messaging applications. Cybercriminals often use fear of arrest and fabricated legal documents to pressure victims into transferring money. The Bagalkot case demonstrates how such scams can cause substantial financial losses. Authorities are investigating the transactions and attempting to identify the people behind the fraud.