A 68-year-old senior advocate in Bhopal took his own life following blackmail by cyber criminals who falsely linked his bank account to the Pahalgam terror attack. Police recovered a suicide note detailing the extortion and his past experiences. The incident underscores the dangers of digital fraud in India.
Shivkumar Verma, a 68-year-old lawyer residing in Bhopal's Jahangirabad Barkhedi area, hanged himself on Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival, according to police reports.
In a suicide note, Verma explained that he was ending his life due to blackmail by cyber criminals who threatened to implicate him in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He mentioned that a bank account, possibly with HDFC, had been opened in his name and was listed in the terror attack's charge sheet for suspicious activities, including alleged terror funding. Verma also reflected on his role as a volunteer during the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, highlighting his lifelong commitment to public service.
Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra confirmed that Verma had not filed any prior complaint about the threats. "Someone called him and told him that his bank account had been used for suspicious activities, due to which he apparently got scared and took the extreme step of suicide," Mishra stated. He emphasized the need for victims of digital fraud to contact police immediately, noting that fraudsters often create a sense of guilt to manipulate individuals.
The case appears to involve extortion through a 'digital arrest' scam, a growing menace where criminals pose as authorities to coerce money or compliance. Police are investigating the fraudsters and have urged the public to report suspicious calls. This tragedy highlights the severe psychological impact of cyber extortion in India, with no prior police involvement from Verma exacerbating the outcome.