Customs issues high alert as fraudsters pose as officials at Bengaluru airport
Bengaluru (PTI): The Customs department at the Kempegowda International Airport on Friday issued a high alert for the public after detecting a fraud racket in which impostors posing as Customs officials are cheating people and extorting money from them.
According to the Customs, fraudsters are targeting innocent citizens, particularly those from the economically weaker sections, by exploiting their fear and urgency through phone calls, social media and messaging platforms.
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The scammers falsely claim that a passenger arriving from abroad has been detained by Customs and demand immediate payment to “resolve” the issue.
Warning the public against falling prey to such tactics, the Customs commissioner said, “Customs officials never contact people via phone, WhatsApp, or social media to demand payments of fines or penalties. Moreover, we do not accept money into personal bank accounts. All official payments to the government are made only through authorised counters or online portals with proper receipts.”
Explaining the modus operandi, Customs officials said the fraudsters first befriend the victims online or through direct contact and later claim that a friend or relative has been stopped at the airport.
They threaten jail term or harassment unless Customs duty or fines are paid immediately, prompting the victims to transfer large sums to personal bank accounts, UPI IDs or digital wallets. Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters cut off all communication.
The Customs department clarified that no passenger is harassed for non-payment of duty, and that all official procedures are carried out strictly as per the law and under CCTV surveillance at the airport.
Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, the Customs department urged people not to respond to calls or messages seeking money in the name of Customs officials.
Victims or recipients of such calls have been asked to report the matter immediately by emailing commrapacc-cusblr@gov.in or by contacting the cybercrime helpline at 1930. The officials warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the fraud.
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3 killed in landslide during road widening at Hulikal ghats in K'taka, CM announces ex-gratia
Shivamogga (Karnataka) (PTI): Three labourers were killed and four others injured after a landslide struck a road construction site at Hulikal Ghat in this district, police said on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Raghavendra (37), Raju (30), and Shabbir (40), all engaged in wall construction work at the site, they said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the families of the deceased.
The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon at a hairpin bend in Hulikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, they said.
According to officials, a massive landslide of soil and rocks from the hillside buried the workers.
A total of seven workers were caught in the landslip. Three labourers died on the spot after being trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams managed to pull out four injured workers and shift them to hospitals in nearby areas, including Kundapura and Udupi, for treatment, they said.
The mishap took place during ongoing efforts to build a retaining wall aimed at ensuring the safety of vehicles navigating the ghat section, which is known for its steep curves and landslide-prone terrain.
An SDRF team from Mangaluru reached the place early Friday morning and took up relief work.
Police, fire and emergency personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident and launched rescue operations.
Authorities said the sudden collapse of loose soil and rocks from the upper slope is suspected to have triggered the landslip.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether adequate safety measures were in place at the worksite.
Taking to 'X', CM Siddaramaiah said that regarding the incident, I have spoken with District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa and obtained information.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news that three workers lost their lives when soil collapsed during the construction of a road barrier at a bend in Hulikal Ghat, in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district. I pray that the souls of the deceased unfortunate workers attain eternal peace, and that their family members find the strength to bear this sorrow," he said.
These breadwinning lives, which were the support of their families, have been lost in this tragedy, and on humanitarian grounds, a compensation of Rs five lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased workers, the chief minister added.
