A 48-year-old Bengaluru resident took his own life after falling prey to cybercriminals masquerading as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who extorted ₹11 lakh over two weeks.
The victim, Kumara K, had lived in Bengaluru for over 20 years with his wife and eight-year-old son. He was employed by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom). On July 15, Kumara was found hanging from a coconut tree in Kelegere village, Channapatna taluk.
According to police, the fraud followed the notorious “digital arrest” scam pattern, where scammers claim the victim faces serious charges—such as drug trafficking or money laundering—and demand payment to avoid arrest.
In a suicide note recovered from Kumara’s pocket, he recounted receiving a call from an individual identifying himself as Vikram Goswami, a supposed CBI officer. Initially, he was coerced into transferring ₹1.95 lakh. However, the threats continued relentlessly, warning of imminent arrest and harm to his family. Over days of intimidation, Kumara paid ₹11 lakh to the fraudster’s accounts.
Despite these payments, the scammer demanded an additional ₹2.75 lakh. Overwhelmed, Kumara quietly left his home on July 14 without informing his family.
The case highlights the alarming rise of digital extortion schemes that prey on fear and confusion. Authorities have urged citizens never to respond to such calls and to report suspected scams immediately.