PUNE: Police are investigating a suspected cyber fraud angle in the death of a 22-year-old IT professional in Pune, after his family alleged that he may have been subjected to harassment by fraudsters using the digital arrest scam.
The young man, who lived in the Kharadi area, died on October 1 after jumping from a building, according to police. Investigators are examining whether calls from a suspected cybercriminal in the days leading up to his death were connected to the incident.
A police official said the man had reportedly been receiving calls from a suspected scamster during the week before his death. His family suspects that the calls were part of a digital arrest scam, a form of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials to intimidate victims and pressure them into complying with demands.
Police have registered an offence against two unidentified individuals suspected of involvement in the case. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the death and the possible role of cyber fraud.
No suicide note was recovered, the police official said. Investigators are also scrutinising the deceased’s financial transactions to determine whether any money was transferred or whether there is evidence of financial coercion.
The suspected scam link remains under investigation, and police have not publicly established a definitive connection between the alleged fraud and the death.
Digital arrest scams have emerged as a serious concern, with fraudsters frequently posing as police officers, investigators or other government officials. Victims may be threatened with fabricated criminal cases and pressured into following instructions or transferring money.
Authorities have repeatedly cautioned people against complying with threats made over phone or video calls and advised them to verify claims through official channels.
The Pune case highlights the importance of investigating suspected cybercrime complaints promptly while establishing the facts through evidence.
