‘Pregnancy job’ scam uncovered in Bihar, cyber police arrest man in Nawada
Patna: Bihar Police have uncovered a bizarre cyber fraud operation in Nawada district in which unsuspecting men were lured through social media advertisements promising large cash rewards for impregnating childless women, along with offers of free sex, easy loans and fake employment.
The scam, promoted online under titles such as “All India Pregnant Job”, targeted users through Facebook and WhatsApp. Advertisements claimed that men could earn up to ₹10 lakh by participating in the scheme, with assurances that even failed attempts would fetch partial payment. Victims were further enticed with photographs of women and misleading service names such as “Playboy Service”, “Dhani Finance” and “SBI cheap loans”.
Police said the fraudsters demanded money in the name of registration fees, hotel bookings and other preliminary expenses. Payments were collected in stages, with demands continuing until victims realised they had been deceived. Many affected individuals reportedly lost substantial amounts of money but refrained from approaching authorities due to fear of social stigma.
Following an investigation by a Special Investigation Team, the Nawada Cyber Police arrested Ranjan Kumar, a resident of the district. A minor involved in the operation was also taken into custody. Four mobile phones allegedly used to carry out the fraud were also seized during the operation.
Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman said a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, while adding that similar cyber fraud cases had surfaced in the district earlier, with victims being blackmailed and extorted after initial contact.
Police officials said that despite previous arrests, the “pregnancy job” narrative continued to attract victims across age groups seeking quick money or illicit offers. Nishu Mallik, in-charge of the Nawada Cyber Police Station and Deputy Superintendent of Police, have now urged the public to remain cautious and not trust unusual or tempting claims circulating on social media.
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Karnataka bypolls: Over 60 per cent voter turnout in Bagalkot, Davanagere South till 5 pm
Bengaluru (PTI): Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in both Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, where bypolls were held on Thursday.
While the turnout in Bagalkot was 65.68 per cent, it was 63.04 per cent in Davanagere South.
While the ruling Congress faces the challenge of retaining both seats, the BJP aims to wrest them and deliver a setback to its rival, which is currently witnessing an "internal power struggle" over leadership.
The bypolls were necessitated due to the demise of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South).
A total of over 2.59 lakh eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at around 319 polling stations in Bagalkot, where nine candidates are in the fray.
In Davanagere South, over 2.31 lakh eligible voters are expected to vote across 284 polling stations, with 25 candidates contesting.
The BJP has fielded former MLA and 2023 defeated candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot, and a fresh face, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, from Davanagere South.
The Congress has given tickets to family members of the late legislators in both constituencies. Bagalkot candidate Umesh Meti is the son of H Y Meti, while Samarth Mallikarjun from Davanagere South is the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
