Kongad MLA escapes ‘digital arrest’ scam after hours-long ordeal

CPI(M)’s Kongad MLA K. Santhakumari narrowly escaped falling victim to a sophisticated online fraud in which scammers tried to convince her that she was under “digital arrest” over alleged links to a terror case.

The fraudsters contacted the MLA on Saturday morning from an unknown number, claiming that a bank account had been opened in her name at Canara Bank and that it had been used by terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir for anti-national activities. They warned her that she would face “digital arrest” in connection with the case.

According to Ms. Santhakumari, the callers spoke to her for several hours, attempting to intimidate and confuse her with what appeared to be convincing details. She said the conversation left her deeply worried, especially as the allegations could have embarrassed her party, the CPI(M), at a sensitive political time.

“The people who spoke sounded very authentic and tried their best to threaten me,” she said, adding that the episode kept her under severe stress for hours.

The MLA eventually realised that she was dealing with a cyber fraud and promptly approached the police. She managed to avoid any financial loss.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Santhakumari said that even as a public representative she found the situation extremely distressing. “If I could be shaken like this, think about what ordinary people go through when they face such calls,” she said.

Police officials said there is no legal concept of “digital arrest” and urged the public not to fall for such claims. An investigation has been launched with the help of cyber experts to trace the gang that attempted to trap the MLA.