In a distressing incident that marred the pious occasion of Gurpurab, a 75-year-old woman was cheated out of Rs 5,000 by two men posing as religious donors in Abohar. The fraud, which took place on Wednesday, has prompted a police investigation and raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
The victim, identified as Satya Devi, a resident of the Krishna Nagar locality, was alone at her home when the incident occurred. The two accused, pretending to be sewadars (volunteers) collecting donations for a Gurudwara, approached her. They exploited the religious sentiments associated with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to gain her trust.
Police reports indicate that the duo convinced the elderly woman to contribute Rs 5,000 for the langar (community kitchen) and other Gurudwara activities. After receiving the cash, they hastily left the premises. It was only later that Satya Devi realized she had been deceived by the fake donors and alerted her family.
Police Launch Investigation
Following a complaint filed by the family, the Abohar city police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are actively scanning CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the culprits. The incident, occurring in broad daylight, has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Investigating officers have noted that such crimes often see a spike during major religious festivals when people are more inclined to give alms and donations. They have urged citizens, especially senior citizens living alone, to exercise extreme caution and verify the credentials of anyone seeking donations door-to-door.
Community Reaction and Safety Advisory
The local residents of Abohar have expressed anger and concern over this targeted crime against an elderly woman. Many have called for increased police patrolling in residential areas, particularly those with a high population of senior citizens.
Police have issued an advisory listing several precautions:
- Always ask for official identity cards and donation receipts from individuals claiming to represent religious or charitable organizations.
- Avoid giving large sums of cash to unknown persons at the doorstep.
- Prefer donating directly at the registered office or bank account of the trusted institution.
- Immediately inform neighbors or police if suspicious individuals are canvassing the area.
This Gurpurab fraud case in Abohar highlights a growing trend of criminals exploiting religious devotion for financial gain. The police are making efforts to apprehend the accused and prevent similar incidents in the future.
