Kolkata’s law enforcement circles are buzzing after Piyush Verma, son of retired Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, reported a brazen cyber theft of Rs 30,000 from his bank account. The complaint, lodged at Lalbazar Cyber Police Station on February 2, traces the fraud back to a flat rental deal in Delhi.
While scouting for accommodation, Piyush used his UPI ID for payment, only to discover the unauthorized debit later. Undeterred by the interstate nature of the crime, Kolkata Police launched a rapid investigation, leading to the arrest of Odisha resident Rakesh Pradhan.
Interrogation revealed Pradhan’s account was exploited by Delhi-based Sanjay and Akshay, who remain at large. Police are now piecing together the scam’s modus operandi, which preyed on innocent rental seekers.
This high-profile case underscores the escalating cyber threats in India, where even children of top cops aren’t safe. Kolkata Police’s proactive stance includes a round-the-clock cyber helpline, processing surging complaints about UPI frauds, phishing, and digital wallet hacks.
Financial experts advise verifying UPI IDs meticulously and enabling transaction alerts. The incident has sparked discussions on bolstering cybersecurity education, particularly for urban millennials navigating online rentals.
As Pradhan remains in custody, investigators are expanding their net across states. The Verma scam exemplifies how fraudsters exploit everyday digital interactions, urging a nationwide vigilance against cyber predators.
With cyber crimes projected to surge, this arrest could be a pivotal blow to organized fraud rings operating via mule accounts like Pradhan’s.