A key accused in the high-profile Rs 8.1 crore cyber fraud case, which drove former Punjab Police Inspector General Amar Singh Chahal to attempt suicide, has died while undergoing medical treatment in Patiala. The suspect's death adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Suspect Succumbs to Health Complications
Chander Kant, aged 46, passed away on Friday at the Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. Jail authorities stated that his death resulted from alleged complications arising from diabetes and high blood pressure. Kant was a resident of Ulash Nagar in Thane, Maharashtra.
His health deteriorated rapidly after he was brought to Patiala on a transit remand from Maharashtra on January 3. He was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Notably, Kant was on judicial remand at the time of his death and had not been lodged in jail. Officials revealed he was shifted directly to the hospital after being produced before the court following the end of his initial police remand.
The Scam That Shook Punjab
The case revolves around a sophisticated cyber fraud that defrauded retired IG Amar Singh Chahal of Rs 8.1 crore approximately two weeks before the tragic incident. Chahal, who retired in 2019 and resided in Patiala, attempted to take his own life by shooting himself on December 22, 2025. He left behind a detailed note citing extreme financial distress and depression triggered by the scam, which brought the massive fraud into the public eye.
The Patiala police had arrested seven individuals, including Kant, from Maharashtra in connection with the crime. The charges filed in the case are severe and include:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Breach of trust
- Cheating by impersonation
- Forgery under relevant sections of the law
Investigation Continues Amidst New Development
With Kant's death, the focus remains on the other accused. The police are continuing their probe into the wider network. Other accused individuals like Lakhan Sri Chand, Somnath, Ranjit Nambardar, Prateek Uttam, Ashish Kumar, and Mohammad Sharif were recently remanded. While Kant and one other were sent to judicial remand on Thursday, four other co-accused remain in police custody for further interrogation.
Authorities have preserved Kant's body for a post-mortem examination, which was scheduled for Saturday. The jail officials stated that the body would be handed over to his family after the procedure is completed. The exact cause of death will be determined by the post-mortem report, after which further legal and police actions will be decided.
This unexpected event poses a significant challenge to the investigation, as Kant was considered a prime suspect who could have provided crucial links to the masterminds of the Rs 8.1 crore cyber fraud.
