An elderly couple in Karnataka tragically ended their lives after being defrauded of Rs 50 lakh by cybercriminals.
Dioderon Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife Flavaina (79), residents of Belagavi district, were found dead in their home, having succumbed to the distress of financial ruin caused by scammers.
The incident came to light on Saturday when concerned neighbours, who had not heard from the couple for days, alerted the police after receiving no response at their residence.
Santan, a former Maharashtra government employee, was found with a fatal knife wound on his neck and injuries on his hand.
Police suspect he initially attempted to cut his wrist before fatally stabbing himself.
His wife is believed to have consumed poison, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed after an autopsy.
A suicide note recovered from their home detailed their ordeal.
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It revealed that two individuals, Sumit Birra and Anil Yadav, had posed as telecom and crime branch officials to deceive them.
“Sumit falsely claimed that their SIM card had been used in illegal activities, including fraudulent financial transactions. Later, Anil, posing as a crime branch officer, coerced them into believing that they needed to provide financial and property details, along with Rs 50 lakh, to avoid legal trouble,” the note stated.
Out of fear, Santan transferred Rs 50 lakh to the fraudsters. However, the scammers continued to extort money, forcing him to take a gold loan of Rs 7 lakh and borrow from friends.
Overcome with distress upon realising they had been deceived, the couple decided to end their lives.
Their note also expressed their unwillingness to be dependent on others or endure societal scrutiny. They requested that their bodies be donated to a medical institution for study instead of being cremated.
Authorities are investigating the case and have launched efforts to trace the culprits behind this devastating fraud.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts in Karnataka or elsewhere in India, please reach out to the following helplines for confidential support:
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Kiran: A national 24/7 toll-free helpline providing assistance for mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and depression.
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NIMHANS: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences offers a dedicated helpline for mental health support.
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Vandrevala Foundation: Provides free psychological counselling and crisis intervention services across India.
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AASRA: A Mumbai-based organisation offering a 24-hour helpline for individuals in crisis.
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Parivarthan Counselling Helpline: Based in Bengaluru, this helpline provides emotional support in multiple languages.
Please remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. If you're in crisis, don't hesitate to reach out to any of these resources.
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