A retired ISRO scientist from Secunderabad, Telangana, was allegedly duped of Rs 61.95 lakh in an online trading scam run by a 23-year-old resident of the Jacob Circle area near Agripada. The accused, Ashish Solanki, who was arrested on Saturday, is suspected of being involved in at least five frauds, with the total amount siphoned off estimated at Rs 42 crore.

Police said the scientist, a 68-year-old, discovered a website operated by a firm identifying itself as Experts Pro Ltd on March 27. A man named Harsh, who introduced himself as a representative of the platform, began contacting the victim regularly. Presenting himself as a trading expert, the scamster offered insights on market trends and assured high returns. The victim initially invested Rs 27,000.