In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the devastating impact of cyber fraud, an elderly couple from Nandagada village in Khanapur taluk in Belagavi district has taken their own lives, falling victim to a harrowing scam. Diango Nazarath (83) committed suicide by cutting his throat, while his wife, Pleviana Nazarath (79), followed suit by consuming a fatal overdose of diabetes medication upon witnessing her husband’s tragic act.
The couple, who resided in Bidi village, Khanapur, were known for their loving and harmonious relationship. They lived a comfortable life, reportedly enjoying a pension following Diango’s retirement as an employee in the Maharashtra government’s secretariat. Owning two acres of land and a house, the couple appeared to have everything they needed, yet they succumbed to the pressures of ruthless cybercriminals.
The Events Leading to Their Tragedy
On the evening of March 28, Diango’s life came to a tragic end after he was subjected to relentless harassment by cyber fraudsters. Just days before his death, he received a video call from these fraudsters, who threatened him with alarming claims that someone was using his photos for illegal activities online. They falsely informed him that a case had been filed against him.
In a calculated move to instil fear, the fraudsters transferred Diango’s call to another individual posing as a superior. This impersonator further threatened him, insisting he pay five lakh rupees to avoid legal trouble. The manipulation escalated as they pressured him to make a transfer, providing him with a bank account number to facilitate an RTGS transaction.
Under duress, Diango complied with their demands. Over time, he and Pleviana transferred an astonishing sum of approximately 50 lakh rupees. This included seven lakh rupees raised by mortgaging their gold assets and nearly forty lakh rupees withdrawn from their retirement savings. The pressure and emotional toll of these demands proved overwhelming.
The Final Moments
In a desperate attempt to seek help, Diango, having realized the gravity of the situation, tried calling the number from which he had received threats. When his call went unanswered, it left him feeling hopeless and abandoned. Distressed, he ultimately decided to write a death note, expressing his anguish before taking his life.
Upon learning of the couple’s tragic demise, the Nandagada police rushed to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation. They discovered a two-page death note that horrified the officers and offered insight into the couple’s dire situation.
In response to the urgency of the matter, SP Dr. Bhimashankar Guled visited the site personally to gather information. Recognizing the severity of the incident, he instructed that the investigation be escalated. The case has now been transferred from the Nandagada police station to the district Cyber Economic and Narcotic (CEN) police station, where a dedicated team under the leadership of the CEN DySP has begun to unravel this complex case.
The Impact of Cyber Fraud
This tragic episode raises critical questions about the effectiveness of ongoing public awareness campaigns regarding cyber fraud. Despite efforts from government bodies and law enforcement agencies to educate the public about safeguarding themselves against online scams, the elderly and educated individuals are still falling prey to these cunning criminals.
It is particularly tragic to see retirees who have held respectable positions and contributed to society become victims of such heinous acts. The experience of Diango and Pleviana is a cautionary tale emphasising the need for immediate and impactful measures to combat cybercrime.
As the police launched an investigation, they traced the phone number that initiated the fraudulent calls and the bank accounts where the funds were transferred. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as the emotional and financial devastation wrought by cyber fraudsters continues to ripple through communities.
