Popular influencer Ankush Bahuguna’s recent encounter with digital scammers has sparked widespread skepticism online. In a detailed Instagram post, Bahuguna shared how he was allegedly “hypnotized” and isolated for 40 hours while being coerced into a financial transaction. However, as details of the incident emerged, many internet users began questioning the authenticity of his account, leaving the story under scrutiny.
In his Instagram video, Bahuguna explained that the incident began with an automated call claiming that his package had been cancelled. Intrigued, he pressed “zero” to connect with customer support—something he now calls “the biggest mistake of his life.” The scam escalated when a person posing as a representative accused him of being linked to a package with illegal substances, further claiming that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Over the next 40 hours, Bahuguna said he was subjected to continuous video calls, leaving him isolated from friends and family. The influencer claimed he lost both money and mental peace in the process.
However, not everyone is convinced by this account. A Reddit user recently raised questions about the plausibility of Bahuguna’s claims, picking apart his story point by point. The post read, “He said ‘apko detain krlengay, and they will [assault] you.’ Who in the world buys such nonsense from an official person?” The user further questioned why Bahuguna didn’t take simpler steps like hiding screenshots or sending evidence to trusted friends.
Pointing out potential exaggerations, the post added, “Every day, there’s one or another reel of drugs being confiscated at the airport. Ye national issue kaise bangya? Moreover, how did his family face a life threat?” The user argued that Bahuguna might have blown the situation out of proportion, citing inconsistencies such as the alleged timeline of events.
One of the most glaring critiques was directed at the lack of immediate action from Bahuguna’s friends. “One of his friends asked him if he was being held hostage, but this friend didn’t care enough to involve family or the police in this situation?” The post also raised suspicions about how scammers allegedly managed to keep Bahuguna compliant for 40 hours without raising red flags among those close to him.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Redditor speculated that the scam likely lasted only a couple of hours, with Bahuguna allegedly exaggerating the incident for engagement. “In a nutshell, I think iske sath 2-3 ghante ka scam hua, which he exaggerated for some account engagement,” the user concluded.
