A man has been arrested in connection with the cyber fraud case that led to the suicides of an elderly couple in Karnataka’s Belagavi district. The couple died by suicide after allegedly being duped of ₹50 lakh in a ‘digital arrest’ scam.
The Belagavi District Cyber Police apprehended the accused, identified as Chirag Jeevrajbhai Lakkad from Surat. A special team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Dodmani travelled to Surat to nab him.
The investigation traced ₹6 lakh from the defrauded amount to Lakkad’s bank account. Authorities suspect it to be part of the ₹50 lakh obtained through the scam. Two mobile phones believed to have been used in the crime were also seized. Further inquiry revealed that Lakkad had dispersed the funds to multiple accounts, indicating a wider financial fraud network.
The case revolves around the tragic deaths of Deiyango Nazaret (83) and Pleviyana Nazaret (79), residents of Beedi village in the district. On March 27, the couple died by suicide after allegedly falling prey to cyber criminals impersonating Delhi Crime Branch officials via video call.
Deiyango ended his life by slitting his throat, while his wife consumed poison. A suicide note recovered from the scene described their fear and helplessness following the threats made during the scam.
