In a development that has once again brought the growing menace of cybercrime into sharp focus, son of a former Commissioner of Kolkata Police, Manoj Verma, has fallen victim to online fraud.
Following a complaint lodged with the cyber cell of Kolkata Police, one accused has been arrested from Odisha. Piyush Verma, son of Manoj Verma, currently Director of Security, was reportedly searching for a rented flat in Delhi when he came into contact with an unidentified individual. During the course of their communication, Piyush transferred money through a UPI ID. He later discovered that Rs 30,000 had been fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account. Although the incident occurred in Delhi, Piyush Verma filed a written complaint at the cyber crime police station at Lalbazar on 2 February after returning to Kolkata.
Acting on the complaint, the cyber cell of Kolkata Police initiated an investigation and traced the transaction trail to Odisha. Based on technical inputs, police arrested one Rakesh Pradhan from Odisha. During interrogation, however, Rakesh claimed that his bank account had been used by two Delhi-based individuals, identified as Sanjay and Akshay. He alleged that the transactions were carried out under their instructions. Investigators are currently questioning the accused in police custody and conducting further raids to trace the remaining suspects.
The incident has renewed concerns over the rising incidence of cyber fraud across the country. Amid this backdrop, Kolkata Police on Tuesday launched a 24-hour cyber crime helpline to ensure swift registration and redressal of complaints related to online fraud. The toll-free number ~ 1800-3450066 ~ was inaugurated at Lalbazar by Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar. Citizens can lodge complaints or seek assistance round-the-clock through the helpline, officials said.
Recently, Manoj Verma was moved from the post of Kolkata Police Commissioner and appointed Director of Security in charge of the Chief Minister’s security. Supratim Sarkar, formerly ADG (South Bengal), has since taken over as the new Commissioner.