Introduction to a Tragic Incident
Former Punjab Inspector General (IG) Amar Singh Chahal, a retired IPS officer, attempted suicide by shooting himself with a revolver on Monday in Patiala. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly as a 12-page suicide note recovered from the scene points towards a massive online financial fraud as the primary reason behind his drastic step. The note, addressed to the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, details a harrowing account of how Chahal fell victim to cyber fraudsters, losing a staggering sum of 8 crore 10 lakh rupees.
Critical Condition and Medical Intervention
Following the self-inflicted gunshot wound, Amar Singh Chahal was rushed to Park Hospital in Patiala in a critical condition. The bullet struck near his chest, causing significant damage to his liver. Doctors immediately performed an operation to address the severe injury, while he's currently under observation, with his condition described as delicate. The medical team is closely monitoring his recovery, hoping for a positive outcome from this grave situation.
The 12-Page Suicide Note: An Urgent Last Appeal
The recovered suicide note, spanning 12 pages, carries the poignant title "Urgent Last Appeal. " In this detailed letter, former IG Chahal explicitly states his profound distress and disappointment, attributing his actions to being defrauded by cyber tricksters, while he wrote, "It's with extreme sadness and despair that I wish to bring to your attention that I've been cheated by some cyber fraudsters who, posing as wealth equity advisors, have defrauded me of 8 crore 10 lakh rupees. " This note serves as a crucial piece of evidence for the ongoing police investigation, shedding light on the intricate web of deceit that led to this tragic event.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
Chahal's suicide note meticulously describes how the fraudsters ensnared him, while a key figure in the scam was an individual who identified himself as Dr. Rajat Verma, the CEO of DBS Bank. This person would regularly provide tips related to the stock market, IPOs, and trading. To build trust, the fraudster's profile prominently displayed a photo of a CEO. Investors were encouraged to ask questions in a group, receiving immediate responses, which further solidified their belief in the legitimacy of the operation.
Luring with False Promises and a Fake Dashboard
After establishing a degree of trust, the fraudsters introduced an online dashboard to their victims. This dashboard showcased four different investment schemes: Daily Trade Stocks, OTC Trade, IPO, and Quantitative Funds. Each scheme was presented with increasingly attractive returns, creating an illusion of lucrative investment opportunities. The group falsely claimed that the "DBS Group" received shares at discounted rates in IPOs, while they also boasted of returns of 30-40% in OTC trade and over 50% in Quantitative Funds, painting a picture of guaranteed high profits.
The Financial Trap and Extortion
Amar Singh Chahal, convinced by these elaborate schemes, transferred over 8 crore. Rupees from three of his bank accounts – Axis, HDFC, and ICICI Bank. A significant portion of this amount, approximately 7 crore rupees, was reportedly borrowed, while the moment he attempted to withdraw his supposed profits, the fraudsters' true intentions were revealed, and a cycle of extortion began. When he tried to withdraw 5 crore rupees, he was demanded 1. 5% service fee and 3% tax, totaling 2. 25 crore rupees, while even after paying this substantial sum, the money wasn't released. Instead, another 2 crore rupees were demanded, followed by a request for 20 lakh rupees as a "premium membership fee. " Chahal found himself in a deep trap, unable to retrieve his funds or escape the fraudsters' demands.
Unaware Family and Friends
The extent of the fraud and Chahal's predicament remained a secret from his closest associates. His friends, neighbors, and even family members were completely unaware of the financial deception he was enduring. This isolation highlights the insidious nature of such online frauds, where victims often feel compelled to keep their struggles hidden, perhaps due to shame or the fear of judgment. The suicide note, however, provides explicit details, including bank account information, IFSC. Codes, and transaction records, which are now crucial for the police investigation.
Patiala Police Initiates Thorough Investigation
The Patiala police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while their primary objective is to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to former IG Chahal's suicide attempt and to unravel the full extent of the online fraud. While the suicide note clearly points to financial deception, the police. Are meticulously examining every detail to understand the chain of events. They're also tracing the destination of the defrauded 8 crore 10 lakh rupees, scrutinizing the bank accounts mentioned in the note, while the family, currently in a state of shock and unable to provide statements, is expected to offer more insights once they're in a better condition, which the police anticipate within a day or two. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of sophisticated online financial scams.
