Retired Physician in Hyderabad Perishes Following 70-Hour Captivity by Online Criminals Labeled as Hackers
Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Digital Fraud Network, Arrest 61 Across 14 States
In a significant operation spanning over a month, the cyber crime wing of the Hyderabad police has successfully dismantled intricate networks of Indian and international operatives involved in digital fraud. A total of 61 individuals were arrested across 14 States, leading to the refund of over ₹1 crore to victims of cyber fraud.
The operation, which concluded last month, saw the police receiving 338 NCRP complaints and registering 233 FIRs locally and 90 FIRs at Zonal Cyber Cells. The fraudsters, posing as government officials, coerced victims into transferring money using forged documents with Government official logos from ED and RBI.
One of the most shocking cases involved a retired doctor in Hyderabad who died due to a 70-hour digital fraud. The victim, whose name is not available in the provided search results, collapsed with chest pain on September 8 and was declared dead the next day. Despite the money being transferred, the fraudsters continued to harass the victim through video calls and fake court notices, causing extreme distress. Shockingly, the fraudsters continued to send messages even after her death, leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The fraudsters used various tactics to deceive their victims. In one instance, a victim was falsely accused of involvement in human trafficking. The police recovered key digital evidence in all instances, ensuring victim refunds in all cases. Refunds worth ₹1,01,39,338 were facilitated for victims, broken down across categories of fraud.
Five individuals were arrested under the Copyright Act and one under the Social Media Tip Line. The police have also filed a case under the IT Act, culpable homicide charges, and are tracking the suspects using phone records and bank transactions.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against digital fraud. As we continue to rely more on digital platforms, it is crucial that we stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from such criminal activities. The Hyderabad police's successful operation is a testament to their commitment to maintaining law and order in the digital realm.
