Did Cyber Fraudsters Cause the Death of a Retired Doctor in Hyderabad?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, a retired doctor in Hyderabad fell victim to cyber fraud, leading to her tragic death after enduring three days of harassment. This case highlights the pressing issue of digital crimes and their devastating impact on victims and their families.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber fraud can have devastating consequences for victims.
- Victims may face psychological distress due to harassment.
- Scammers often use forged documents to intimidate their targets.
- Law enforcement agencies are working to combat cybercrime.
- Raising awareness about digital safety is essential.
Hyderabad, Sep 17 (NationPress) A tragic incident involving cyber fraud has led to the untimely demise of a 76-year-old retired government physician, who succumbed to a heart attack after enduring three days of relentless harassment. According to police reports, con artists impersonating law enforcement officials extorted Rs 6.6 lakh from her by falsely accusing her of human trafficking and persisted with threats even after her passing.
The scammers executed a 70-hour detailed digital arrest using forged documents featuring the seals of the Supreme Court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Despite coercing her into withdrawing funds from her pension account, the fraudsters continued their harassment through video calls and fabricated court notices.
The victim, who experienced severe distress due to the ongoing threats, collapsed from chest pain on September 8 and unfortunately passed away the following day.
This elderly lady, who had previously served as the chief senior resident medical officer at the Area Hospital in Malakpet, was first contacted by the fraudsters via WhatsApp on September 5. They allegedly used a profile bearing the Bengaluru police logo, and after accusing her of human trafficking, they threatened her with arrest under the National Security Act if she did not comply with their demands.
The culprits presented her with forged documents that bore the seals of the Supreme Court, RBI, and ED to intimidate her. The very next day, she transferred money from her pension account with the Union Bank to a shell bank account located in Maharashtra.
Nonetheless, the harassment continued, with the scammers making video calls from a different number and insisting on further payments while brandishing threats of impending legal action.
On September 8, the retired doctor collapsed at her residence in Madhura Nagar due to chest pain. Family members rushed her to a hospital in Ameerpet, where she tragically passed away.
Her family only became aware of the digital harassment following her funeral on September 9. They subsequently filed a complaint with the Cybercrime police, which has registered a case under the IT Act and other laws, including charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Family members reported that the scammers continued sending messages even posthumously, with the last message received on September 10.
The police have initiated an investigation and are working to identify the suspects through phone records and banking transactions.
Point of View
I believe that incidents like these highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in our society. The tragic loss of a life due to cyber fraud demands accountability and proactive steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. We must prioritize the safety of our citizens in the digital space.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital arrest?
Digital arrest refers to a situation where scammers use digital means to intimidate or coerce individuals into compliance, often by impersonating law enforcement or judicial authorities.
How can victims protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Victims can protect themselves by verifying the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial information, being cautious of unsolicited communications, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
What should I do if I receive a threatening message online?
If you receive a threatening message, it's crucial to document the communication, avoid engaging with the sender, and report the incident to local law enforcement or cybercrime units.
