In a shocking incident, former Punjab Police Inspector General Amar Singh Chahal is fighting for his life after allegedly attempting suicide at his Patiala residence. The retired officer reportedly shot himself with a security guard's revolver on Monday, driven to despair after being cheated in a massive cyber fraud amounting to Rs 8.10 crore.
A Desperate Act and Swift Police Response
According to the Patiala police, teams rushed to Chahal's house upon hearing reports of a gunshot. Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma confirmed that they intervened within less than 10 minutes, finding Chahal with a chest wound but still breathing. He was immediately admitted to Park (Paras) Hospital, where his condition remains critical.
The police recovered a 12-page note from the scene, addressed to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. In the detailed letter, Chahal outlined the severe financial distress he faced after falling victim to the sophisticated online scam.
The Details of the Rs 8.10 Crore Cyber Fraud
Sources reveal that the former IPS officer first got in touch with the company allegedly behind the fraud in October. Lured by promises of high returns, Chahal invested his own money and borrowed heavily from friends and relatives. His note states he invested Rs 1 crore of his own funds and borrowed the remaining sum, making payments to the company through online transactions via three different banks.
The police investigation has confirmed that several other individuals had also invested in the same company, broadening the scope of the alleged fraud. In his desperation, Chahal had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking intervention in the matter.
Ongoing Investigation and Past Legal Troubles
The Patiala police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the entire circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes verifying the claims made by Chahal in his note and probing the company involved in the cyber fraud.
Amar Singh Chahal is no stranger to controversy. He is an accused in the high-profile 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents. These cases are linked to protests over sacrilege issues, during which two protesters were killed. Chahal, who retired as an Inspector General (IG), was facing charges in this ongoing legal battle.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the police and bureaucratic circles in Punjab, highlighting the devastating impact of cybercrime even on seasoned officers.
