Vasco Police Arrest Baina Resident for Abetment to Suicide in Cyber Fraud Case
Vasco police have made a significant arrest in a distressing case of cyber fraud that led to a tragic suicide. Abdul Khan, a resident of Baina in Vasco, has been taken into custody for his alleged role in the abetment to suicide of Aleixo Godinho. The arrest follows a detailed complaint filed by the deceased's daughter, Neefa Naperia, who outlined a harrowing tale of deception and harassment.
Cyber Fraudsters Pose as Mumbai Police to Harass Victim
According to the police investigation, Khan and an unidentified accomplice engaged in a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme. They impersonated personnel from the Greater Mumbai police force, targeting Godinho through WhatsApp. The accused made continuous video calls of varying durations, sending him a fabricated copy of an FIR from the Mumbai crime branch. This document falsely contained Godinho's Aadhaar number and accused him of involvement in illegal advertising of pornographic material and sending harassing text messages to the public.
The psychological impact of this harassment was severe, as the victim was subjected to constant fear and intimidation. Neefa Naperia stated that the relentless pressure from the accused persons ultimately drove her father to take his own life, highlighting the devastating consequences of such cyber crimes.
Bank Account Fraud Adds to the Victim's Distress
Further compounding the victim's ordeal, the complaint reveals that on February 11, Khan and the unidentified accused deceived Godinho into opening a bank account in his own name. They did this under the false pretext of helping him avail a loan. Once the account was established, the duo took possession of the passbook and ATM card, proceeding to conduct fraudulent transactions. This financial exploitation added to the victim's mounting distress and sense of helplessness.
The combination of psychological harassment and financial fraud created an unbearable situation for Godinho, leading to the tragic outcome. The police have emphasized that such cases underscore the urgent need for public awareness about cyber scams and their potential to cause irreparable harm.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Abdul Khan has been arrested under BNS Sections 319(2) and 108, which pertain to abetment to suicide. He has been remanded to three days of police custody as authorities continue their investigation. Meanwhile, the other accused person remains at large, and the police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend this individual.
The Vasco police have urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams, advising people to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be law enforcement officials and to report suspicious activities immediately. This case serves as a stark reminder of the real-world dangers posed by cyber fraud and the importance of robust legal measures to combat it.