Arrest Made in Elderly Couple’s Suicide Linked to Cyber Fraud in Karnataka
The arrest of Chirag Lakkad follows the tragic suicide of an elderly couple in Belagavi due to cyber fraud. Lakkad and accomplices scammed them out of Rs 50 lakh by impersonating officials. The couple’s handwritten note revealed their distress and the circumstances leading to their decision.
In Karnataka’s Belagavi, an elderly couple tragically died by suicide after falling victim to cyber fraud. The primary suspect, Chirag Jeevarajbhai Lakkad, was apprehended in Gujarat’s Surat. He, along with accomplices, defrauded the couple of approximately Rs 50 lakh by impersonating a CBI officer in extortion calls.
During the investigation, police discovered that Lakkad had received Rs 6 lakh, with additional funds diverted to other accounts. The couple, Diogjeron Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife Flaviana (79), left a note expressing their despair due to the fraud, asking not to be blamed for their decision.
In the note, Diogjeron mentioned being contacted by two individuals, Sumit Birra and Anil Yadav, who falsely claimed to represent the telecom department and Crime Branch. Birra informed him about a SIM card misuse in his name, which escalated to demands for detailed personal and financial information from Yadav.
Overwhelmed, the couple transferred significant sums to the scammers, including a gold loan they were forced to take out. Diogjeron indicated he had borrowed money from friends and mentioned the potential sale of his wife’s jewelry to settle debts. They wished for their bodies to be donated for educational purposes. Lakkad now faces charges of online fraud and abetting suicide.
The arrest of Chirag Lakkad highlights the severe consequences of cyber fraud, particularly its devastating effect on vulnerable populations like the elderly. The case underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures against cyber scams. Law enforcement’s swift action against the perpetrators is a crucial step in providing justice to the victims. Education on digital safety remains paramount to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
