Kolkata Nurse Accused of Stealing Rs 1.8 Lakh from Elderly Couple After Termination
In a shocking case of betrayal and exploitation, a 20-year-old nurse in Kolkata has been accused of stealing approximately Rs 1.8 lakh from an elderly couple she was briefly employed to care for. The incident, which highlights vulnerabilities in caregiver relationships and digital payment security, unfolded in the Behala area of the city.
Exploitation Amidst Grief and Vulnerability
The victims, an 82-year-old man and his 76-year-old wife, hired Trisha Paul in December 2025 to assist with their daily needs. According to the couple's elder son, who lives in Bengaluru, Paul quickly gained their parents' trust by sharing a sympathetic backstory. "She spoke of her father's death, of having to abandon her education, and of the hardships that led her to caregiving work," he recounted. "My parents, already emotionally fragile after illness, were deeply moved."
Paul's technological proficiency further endeared her to the elderly couple, who were not comfortable with digital tools. She helped them order groceries online, book plumbers and electricians via apps, and handled small digital payments, making herself indispensable.
Termination and Subsequent Deception
Paul's service was terminated on January 12 due to absenteeism. Tragically, the elderly woman passed away just two days later, on January 14. Amidst the grief and funeral rituals, the family's focus was on caring for the bereaved husband.
It was during this vulnerable period that Paul allegedly executed her scheme. She visited the house on January 15, claiming she had come to check on "Dadu's" health. Upon learning of the wife's death, she used the deceased woman's mobile phone to transfer Rs 1.5 lakh in three transactions. Shockingly, these transactions occurred while the elderly man's sons and other relatives were present in the house, mourning the loss.
Systematic Theft via UPI Transactions
The fraud extended beyond those initial transfers. The complainant later discovered that Paul had siphoned off a total of Rs 1.8 lakh through 20 UPI transactions between January 4 and January 28. "Every one of the 20 transfers was made by Paul, the very person we allowed into our home," the son stated. A significant portion of these transactions were conducted after Paul's dismissal and in the immediate aftermath of the mother's death.
When confronted, Paul showed "neither fear nor remorse" and remained unperturbed even when threatened with police involvement. The family reported the matter to the national cybercrime portal on January 31 and filed a formal complaint at Parnasree Police Station on February 1.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This case underscores critical issues in elder care, digital financial literacy, and trust in domestic help. The elderly couple's dependence on Paul for technological assistance created a dangerous opening for exploitation. The sons, living in Bengaluru and Canada, were unaware of the extent of this dependency until it was too late.
Authorities are now investigating the full scope of the fraud. The incident serves as a stark reminder for families to monitor financial activities of elderly relatives closely, especially when external caregivers are involved in managing digital transactions. It also highlights the need for stricter background checks and oversight in the informal caregiving sector.
