Cyber crooks threaten two with digital arraignment in ‘court of CJI Gavai’, dupe them of Rs 6.72 cr
Mumbai (PTI): Two senior citizens from Nashik lost Rs 6.72 crore in separate incidents after unidentified cyber crooks threatened to place them under "digital arrest" and virtually produce them in the court of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, police said on Tuesday.
Nashik cyber police registered an FIR on Monday and launched an investigation into the incidents that occurred in September, an official said.
Police stated that the victims included 74-year-old Anil Lalsare, a resident of the Gangapur Road area, who is suffering from age-related ailments. Lalasare's wife has been bedridden for the last two-and-a-half years after suffering a stroke. She needs oxygen support.
The couple's son lives abroad.
"Lalasare received a call from an unknown number. The caller told him that a credit card linked to his Aadhaar card had been used for financial fraud. He told Lalasare that he would be placed under digital arrest and produced before the court of CJI Gavai if he fails to pay a fine of Rs 72 lakh", the FIR stated.
The caller also threatened the complainant with arrest by a "CBI" team if he fails to pay money and undergo interrogation in New Delhi.
"Lalasare, who couldn't walk properly due to age-related illness, went to the bank and deposited Rs 72 lakh in the account number provided by the caller", police said.
The fraud came to light on October 13 when Lalasare's relatives arrived at his residence to meet the old couple.
In another incident, an elderly man fell prey to a similar modus operandi used by cyber fraudsters.
The FIR stated that the man was threatened to be placed under "digital arrest" and produced in the CJI's court since his SIM card was used for circulating obscene photos and videos.
He ended up paying Rs 6 crore to avoid digital arrest, another police official said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India progressing under PM Modi, Karnataka heading towards decline: Union Minister Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said while India is moving steadily towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Karnataka is heading in the opposite direction under the Congress government.
Speaking at a programme to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, along with the Atal Award presentation and Good Governance Day celebrations, the JD(S) leader said Karnataka was once a model state for governance and development.
ALSO READ: Second World Ayurveda Summit begins in Bengaluru
“Karnataka was once synonymous with exemplary governance. It had adopted an outstanding development model and emerged as a leader for the entire nation. But under the Congress government’s administration, all these distinctions have been lost, and the State is now moving in the opposite direction,” Kumaraswamy said.
He alleged that the current dispensation has completely damaged the education sector, noting that Karnataka was once a frontrunner in education.
“Karnataka, which once ranked first in good governance, has reached such a state today. Frivolous politics is being played in a good State. Administration across all departments; including health, education, agriculture and revenue has deteriorated. People must now seriously introspect,” he said.
Asserting that the era of good governance must return, Kumaraswamy said people are fed up with the misgovernance of this government.
Bengaluru, once the IT-BT capital and a hub of education and technology, has seen its infrastructure completely deteriorate, he said.
"The state government lacks the mindset to accept even well-intentioned and expert advice. It has developed a culture of speaking irresponsibly even about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”
Noting that the state has all the potential and capacity to move forward, the union minister said, “At a time when India is stepping forward to become the world’s third-largest economic power under Modi government, one wonders in which direction Karnataka is heading? It is moving backwards and sliding into decline.”
Remembering Vajpayee as “Ajatashatru”, a leader without enemies who rendered long and distinguished service to the nation, Kumaraswamy said leaders like Vajpayee are rare today.
“His contributions as External Affairs Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister were immense. He was a visionary leader who took the BJP from just two seats to 170 seats in Parliament,” he added.
Expressing concern over growing unrest, he said, “Karnataka must once again become a garden of peace for all communities. There is unrest in society. When one looks at what is happening within families, it causes anxiety. While technology is advancing and economic strength is increasing, there is fear even in turning on the television in the morning. There is no peace of mind for anyone. It is for this reason that I have advocated teaching the Bhagavad Gita at the school level. Unfortunately, politics is being unnecessarily mixed into this issue."
