Delhi Police Constable Duped Of ₹24 Lakh In Instagram Friendship And Investment Scam; Accused Arrested

New Delhi: A social media friendship, claims of influence in the cricketing world and promises of lucrative investment returns allegedly cost a Delhi Police woman constable nearly ₹24 lakh. The Central District Cyber Police have arrested a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat in connection with the case.

The accused, identified as Vikrant Kumar alias Vicky Tomar, allegedly approached the woman through Instagram, continued communicating with her on WhatsApp and gradually gained her confidence before persuading her to invest money.

Friendship Allegedly Used to Gain Trust

Central District DCP Rohit Rajveer Singh said the case was registered following a complaint by Delhi Police constable Shivani. According to the complaint, the accused initially contacted her on Instagram, claiming that he needed guidance regarding recruitment under the Delhi Police sports quota.

Their conversation subsequently moved to WhatsApp. The accused allegedly portrayed himself as an influential figure in the cricketing world and used that claim to build trust before offering investment opportunities promising substantial returns.

Savings, Bank Loan and Borrowed Money Lost

Believing the accused’s assurances, the complainant transferred her savings from her Axis Bank account. She also allegedly took out a personal bank loan of ₹12 lakh and borrowed additional money from acquaintances before transferring the funds.

According to the police, the total amount involved in the alleged fraud was approximately ₹24 lakh. Investigators further found that around ₹8 lakh had been transferred, at the accused’s direction, to bank accounts linked to the 1x.com betting platform.

Woman Also Alleges Inappropriate Conduct

Apart from the alleged financial fraud, the complaint includes an allegation of inappropriate physical conduct. According to the police, during an in-person meeting, the accused allegedly touched the woman’s waist inappropriately, attempting to violate her dignity.

Cyber Police Intensify Investigation

An FIR numbered 271/2026 was registered at the Central District Cyber Police Station on September 8, 2026, under Sections 318(4), 316(2) and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The police are investigating the case further and working to identify other people who may have been targeted by the accused. Additional details are expected following the investigation.

Delhi Police have urged the public to exercise caution when interacting with people on social media, particularly those who claim influential connections or promise unusually high investment returns. Officials have advised people to verify investment opportunities thoroughly and avoid borrowing money or transferring funds solely on another person’s assurances.