Elderly Couple Commits Suicide After Rs 50 Lakh Cyber Fraud in Karnataka
An elderly couple in Karnataka died by suicide after being victims of cyber fraud that led to financial despair. Diogjeron, aged 82, and Flaviana, 79, left behind a note explaining their actions and revealing threats from scammers. Police have initiated an investigation into the fraud and abetment to suicide.
In Belagavi, Karnataka, an elderly couple, Diogjeron Santan Nazareth (82) and Flaviana (79), tragically died by suicide after falling victim to cyber fraud. The couple, residents of Beedi village, had no children, and police describe their case as involving both fraud and subsequent harassment. A handwritten note left by Diogjeron explained their decision to end their lives and requested no one be blamed, indicating their despair over recent events.
The police discovered the situation when neighbors found Flaviana dead on her bed, and Diogjeron’s body was located in an underground water tank. Reports indicate Diogjeron died from a self-inflicted stab wound to the neck, and Flaviana is believed to have consumed poison pending an autopsy.
In the death note, Diogjeron identified two individuals involved in the scam—Sumit Birra, who falsely presented himself as a telecom department official, and Anil Yadav, who claimed to represent the Crime Branch. According to the note, they informed Diogjeron about fraudulent activities linked to a SIM card in his name and threatened legal action, coercing him to disclose his financial information.
As a result of the scam, Diogjeron transferred over Rs 50 lakh. The fraudsters continued their demands, and Diogjeron also mentioned taking out a gold loan of Rs 7.15 lakh, with payment due on June 4. The note further indicated that he had borrowed funds from friends and planned to sell Flaviana’s gold jewelry to cover debts.
In a chilling statement, Diogjeron expressed the couple’s loneliness and the desperation they felt, saying they did not want to live under someone else’s mercy. He also expressed a desire to donate their bodies for medical study. The police have initiated an investigation, collecting evidence from the scene, including the suicide note and Diogjeron’s phone.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled confirmed that authorities have opened a case of abetment to suicide and cyber fraud against the individuals named in Diogjeron’s note and that investigations are ongoing.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of cyber fraud, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. Diogjeron and Flaviana’s case highlights the critical need for awareness and preventative measures against scams that exploit individuals, emphasizing the psychological toll such fraud can take. Law enforcement’s proactive investigation into this case aims to hold the perpetrators accountable and bring attention to the issue of cybercrime in society.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
