An elderly couple in Karnataka’s Belagavi district took their own lives after being relentlessly harassed and blackmailed by cybercriminals. The victims, 83-year-old Diago Nazarath, a retired railway employee, and his 79-year-old wife, Pavia Nazarath, were residents of Beedi village near Khanapura town.
The case came to light when a member of a women’s self-help group visited their home and discovered their deaths. Nandagarh police arrived at the scene and launched an investigation, uncovering a suicide note left by Diago Nazarath, which detailed the mental and financial harassment they had endured.
Cyber Blackmail, Extortion
According to police reports, the couple was targeted by cybercriminals a month ago. The fraudsters, posing as law enforcement officials, falsely accused them of possessing nude photos and videos. Through repeated video calls and threats, the criminals pressured the couple into paying a ransom, warning that the alleged content would be leaked on social media if they failed to comply, as per a report on IANS.
Terrified, the couple transferred Rs 6 lakh to an account provided by the scammers. However, the extortion did not stop. The criminals continued making demands, calling for more payments. Overall, the couple paid Rs 50 lakh.
Overwhelmed by fear and unable to escape the relentless threats, Pavia Nazarath consumed sleeping pills, ending her life. Distraught over his wife’s death, Diago Nazarath fatally slashed his neck and wrists, leaving behind a suicide note.
Growing Cybercrime Threat In Karnataka
The deaths of the elderly couple are part of a larger wave of cyber frauds targeting victims in Karnataka. Several high-profile cases have emerged in recent months, exposing the sophistication of cybercriminals operating across the country.
On December 23, 2024, a Bengaluru software professional lost Rs 11 crore after being duped by cybercriminals posing as Mumbai Crime Branch police. They used a tactic called “Digital Arrest” to manipulate the victim.
On December 24, 2024, a state government employee in Tumakuru district was held hostage in a six-hour “Digital Arrest”, leading to a loss of Rs 19 lakh.
