Cyber criminals struck at the heart of Kolkata’s elite when they swindled Rs 30,000 from Piyush Verma, offspring of ex-Police Commissioner Manoj Verma. The dupe happened amid a Delhi rental search, with Piyush alerting Lalbazar Cyber Police on February 2.
A seemingly innocuous UPI payment for a flat turned sour as unauthorized debits hit his account. Kolkata’s cyber sleuths mounted a cross-state operation, apprehending Odisha’s Rakesh Pradhan as the initial link in the chain.
Under grill, Pradhan implicated Delhi operators Sanjay and Akshay, who routed funds through his account. Police custody holds Pradhan firm while pursuits for the fugitives accelerate.
The scam’s audacity—targeting a cop’s kin—has galvanized anti-cyber crime measures. Kolkata Police’s new 24/7 helpline stands as a bulwark against the tide of UPI cons, investment frauds, and identity thefts.
Tech-savvy advice abounds: use virtual payment addresses, shun unsolicited links, and audit statements daily. This incident fuels debates on regulatory reforms for UPI ecosystems.
From law enforcement legacy to cyber victim, the Vermas’ story mirrors societal shifts toward digitized vulnerabilities. Investigators vow comprehensive crackdowns, potentially unraveling broader syndicates.
In conclusion, as cyber threats evolve, personal diligence paired with institutional vigilance remains the best defense, ensuring safer digital tomorrows for all.