Tragic Incident: Elderly Couple Takes Their Lives Amid Cyber Harassment in Karnataka

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Tragic Incident: Elderly Couple Takes Their Lives Amid Cyber Harassment in Karnataka

Synopsis

In a heartbreaking incident, an elderly couple in Karnataka's Belagavi district ended their lives after facing severe blackmail and harassment from cybercriminals. The couple fell prey to extortion tactics that led to an unbearable situation for them.

Key Takeaways

  • Cybercrime poses serious threats to vulnerable populations.
  • Extortion tactics can lead to tragic consequences.
  • Community support systems are vital in times of crisis.
  • Law enforcement is actively combating cybercrime.
  • Awareness of digital safety is crucial for everyone.

Belagavi (Karnataka), March 29 (NationPress) In a disturbing turn of events, an elderly couple took their own lives after enduring relentless harassment and extortion attempts by cybercriminals in Karnataka’s Belagavi district on Friday.

The tragic incident unfolded in Beedi village, situated near Khanapura town. The victims have been identified as 83-year-old Diago Nazarath, a retired railway worker, and his 79-year-old wife, Pavia Nazarath.

The situation came to light when a member of a local women’s self-help group visited their residence. The responding Nandagarh police quickly arrived at the scene and commenced an investigation. The couple's struggles with cybercriminals were disclosed through a suicide note penned by Diago Nazarath, which outlined their ordeal.

Police reports indicate that the cybercriminals had contacted the couple approximately a month prior, impersonating law enforcement officers. They falsely accused the couple of having illicit photos and videos and utilized video calls to instill fear. The criminals demanded a ransom, threatening to disseminate the alleged material on social media if their demands were not met.

Succumbing to the pressure, the couple transferred Rs 6 lakh to the bank account specified by the scammers. Nevertheless, the criminals persisted in their demands for additional funds and continually harassed them for more payments.

Overwhelmed by the distress, Pavia Nazarath ingested sleeping pills and tragically ended her life. Heartbroken by his wife's death, Diago Nazarath took his own life shortly thereafter, after writing a suicide note. He inflicted fatal wounds to his neck and wrists.

On December 28, 2024, prior to this incident, the Karnataka Police apprehended a gang of four, led by the manager of a corporate division at Axis Bank in Gujarat, for embezzling crores by stealing sensitive corporate data.

A software engineer fell victim to a cyber fraud case, losing Rs 11 crore after being deceived by Digital Arrest in Bengaluru on December 23, 2024. The police reported that the perpetrators masqueraded as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch to execute their scheme.

Additionally, a case was recorded on December 24, 2024, involving a state government employee who was defrauded of Rs 19 lakh after being digitally detained for six hours in Tumakuru district of Karnataka.