Police in Bhopal have launched a major investigation following the tragic suicide of a senior advocate, which they now link to a sophisticated cyber fraud operation. The Jehangirabad police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against unknown individuals using two mobile numbers that bombarded the victim with threatening WhatsApp calls and messages.
The Tragic Incident and the Suicide Note
Shivkumar Verma, a 68-year-old advocate from Barkhedi, Jehangirabad, died by suicide at his home on the night of November 24. His wife was visiting their daughter in Delhi at the time, while his son resides in Pune. A suicide note recovered from his room revealed the profound mental anguish he suffered. Verma stated he took this extreme step of his own free will, unable to bear the stigma of being falsely labeled a "traitor" and "anti-national." This distress was triggered by a series of fraudulent calls from cyber scammers who made terrifying allegations.
The 'Digital Arrest' Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that Verma started receiving multiple WhatsApp calls and messages from two different mobile numbers beginning November 22. The callers engaged him in conversation, falsely accusing him of using his bank account to fund terrorist activities. To add credibility to their threats, they sent him fake arrest warrants that purportedly came from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Supreme Court. Police tracing found both numbers were registered in Assam.
According to Jehangirabad SHO Maan Singh Choudhary, the fraudsters employed a tactic known as "Digital Arrest." Unlike typical scams aimed at extorting money directly, this method involves psychologically terrorizing the victim with fake legal threats to extort them. In this case, the scammers did not demand money but systematically destroyed Verma's peace of mind.
Family's Helplessness and Ongoing Probe
The advocate's daughter informed police that her father had confided in her about the threatening calls on November 23. She tried to reassure him, believing his legal background would help him see through the fake threats. Despite her efforts, Verma took the accusations very seriously. The police continue their investigation to track down the cyber-fraudsters behind this heartless scam that led to an irreplaceable loss.
This case highlights the dangerous evolution of cyber crime in India, where psychological manipulation is becoming a weapon. It serves as a grim reminder of the devastating real-world consequences of online fraud and the urgent need for public awareness and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
