Elderly Doctor Targeted in Elaborate Online Fraud
An 81-year-old doctor residing in Kochi has become the latest victim of a highly sophisticated cyber fraud operation, resulting in a staggering financial loss of Rs 1.3 crore. The scam, which involved perpetrators impersonating high-ranking officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the telecom department, was officially reported to the city's cyber police, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday.
The Anatomy of the Deception
The elaborate scheme unfolded over several days, beginning on Saturday and continuing until the following Thursday. According to the police complaint, the accused individuals, identified as Devilal Singh and Pranav Dhayal, initiated contact with the elderly doctor through a series of phone calls and WhatsApp video calls. Posing as authoritative figures, they fabricated a serious allegation, claiming that criminal activities had been traced to a mobile number registered in his name.
The situation escalated on Tuesday when the fraudsters informed the doctor that a formal case had been registered against him. Under the false pretense of verifying his sources of income as part of a supposed investigation, they coerced him into divulging sensitive details about his personal investments. This information was then used to manipulate and pressure him into executing a large fund transfer.
The doctor was forced to transfer the entire sum of Rs 1.3 crore from his bank account via an RTGS transfer. To ensure his silence and prevent him from seeking help, the scammers resorted to criminal intimidation, explicitly threatening to defame him on social media platforms if he disclosed the incident to anyone, including the authorities.
Police Action and Recovery Efforts
Despite the threats, the courageous octogenarian approached the Kochi cyber police, who acted promptly by registering the FIR. The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 316 (criminal breach of trust), Section 318 (cheating), and Section 351 (criminal intimidation). Additionally, charges have been invoked under Section 66D of the IT Act, which pertains to punishment for cheating by personation using a computer resource.
In a significant development that offers a glimmer of hope, police sources have confirmed that a substantial portion of the defrauded money has been successfully frozen in the bank. Authorities are now pursuing legal channels to facilitate the complete recovery of the funds and are optimistic about a positive outcome.
This alarming incident serves as a critical reminder, especially for senior citizens, about the growing threat of sophisticated online financial fraud. The public is urged to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited communication and to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a government official directly with the concerned department.
