Cyber fraudsters running “online task” rackets are increasingly targeting citizens’ bank accounts. In a shocking incident, one such scam allegedly pushed a 17-year-old youth to suicide after he was misled and financially trapped by the fraudsters.
The deceased boy, a resident of Meghwadi in Mumbai`s Jogeshwari area, was a Class XII student. Nearly 11 months after his death, the Andheri Railway Police have finally registered an FIR against eight accused involved in the online scam.
How the incident unfolded
According to sources, the boy was active on several social media platforms. In January, he left home for class as usual but did not return that night. His parents tried contacting him, but his phone was switched off.
Late that night, an unknown person called Vighnesh’s father and asked him to come to Cooper Hospital, where they were informed that a youth had died after jumping in front of a train at Jogeshwari railway station. Based on his clothes and body structure, the family identified the deceased. Initially, the Andheri Railway Police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR).
Investigation revealed
“Investigating an accident involving a dismembered body was challenging. At the spot, police recovered a broken mobile phone, which became the key to the case. Senior Inspector Nitin Londhe and his team examined the damaged phone and began tracing the events that led to the suicide,” said an officer.
During the technical analysis, police discovered several apps and chat records indicating that the deceased had been defrauded through an online task scheme. Further inquiry revealed that he had been mentally distressed after being cheated financially.
After months of investigation, the police concluded that the deceased had been deceived and pushed into severe stress, ultimately leading to his suicide. Based on these findings, a case was registered against eight individuals.
“During the investigation, we found that in December, a scammer messaged the deceased offering a part-time job. He was added to a Telegram group and assigned so-called “tasks.” While completing these tasks, he ended up paying Rs. 49,000, which the fraudsters never returned.
The prolonged mental pressure and deception allegedly drove the teen to take this extreme step. Further investigation is underway,” the officer added.
