cybercrime Police arrested a man on Wednesday in connection with a large-scale online fraud targeting individuals under the guise of the Aarogyasri health scheme. The accused allegedly duped victims across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, collecting an estimated Rs60 lakh.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Chandrasekhar Reddy, the accused, M. Saleem Malik, 32, of Bhagyanagar Colony, Jammalamadugu (Kadapa district), collaborated with an accomplice named Satish from Delhi. The duo posed as health department officials, calling unsuspecting individuals and offering them fake hospital expense refunds under the Aarogyasri Scheme.
Once the victims were convinced, they were sent fraudulent payment links and asked to enter their UPI PINs to “receive” refunds. Instead, the money was siphoned directly from their bank accounts.
The scam came to light after a local resident, Rajireddy from Mustabad mandal, filed a complaint. He had lost Rs46,000 and Rs10,000 in two separate transactions.
Using advanced technical tracking, the police were able to locate and arrest Saleem Malik. A manhunt is underway for Satish, who remains absconding.
Police warn the public to stay alert to such scams and avoid sharing UPI credentials under any circumstances.
