In a shocking incident in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, an elderly couple was held in what can be described as a 'digital arrest' for more than 35 hours by cyber fraudsters. The victims, Saroj Kumar Patnaik and his wife Nirjharani, were targeted by criminals who used a video call to instill fear by alleging that their Aadhaar card was linked to terrorist activities. This manipulation left the couple feeling trapped and frightened, as they were led to believe their lives were in danger due to criminal accusations brought against them.

The fraudsters demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore in exchange for their freedom, creating a highly distressing situation as the couple felt they had no choice but to comply. However, due to complications with the bank account where the payment was to be transferred, the elderly couple did not suffer any financial loss from the ordeal, as the account was reportedly not operational at the time. This twist highlights not only the unique nature of the scam but also a silver lining in the form of the couple avoiding potential financial devastation.

Fortunately, with the help of friends, the couple managed to regain control of their phone late Tuesday night and reported the incident to the cyber police. Law enforcement has since initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, reflecting a growing concern over cyber crimes that exploit vulnerabilities in personal identification systems like Aadhaar. This case underscores the urgent need for increased awareness about cyber scams and the necessary precautions individuals should take to protect themselves from such digital threats.