A 22-year-old Indian youth from Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore died in a hospital in Cambodia on Wednesday, hours after officials from the Indian Embassy rescued him from confinement by cyber fraud operators who allegedly held him captive for refusing to work at an illegal call centre.

The deceased has been identified as D Nandakumar, a resident of LIC Colony in Selvapuram, Coimbatore. He passed away around 11 pm after failing to respond to treatment, according to sources.

Rescued after mother alerted Indian embassy

Embassy officials freed Nandakumar following an urgent appeal from his mother, D Geetha, who alerted authorities after learning of her son’s captivity. By the time he was rescued, Nandakumar was critically ill and was rushed to a hospital.

Despite medical efforts, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his death within hours of rescue.

Forced into cyber fraud operation

According to Geetha, Nandakumar had been working at a hotel in Cambodia for nearly a year before cyber fraudsters forced him to join an illegal call centre around six weeks ago.

When he refused to participate in fraudulent activities, the operators allegedly confiscated his passport, locked him inside a room and denied him food.

“As he refused to involve himself in cybercrime, they didn’t even give him food. He became very weak and fell seriously ill,” Geetha said.

Month-long confinement worsened health

Geetha said her son was confined for nearly a month under inhuman conditions. During this period, he managed to contact his family over the phone and describe his worsening health and ordeal.

“He informed us that he was sick and trapped. That is when we approached the embassy for help,” she said.

Family seeks help to bring body home

On Thursday, Geetha submitted a petition to the Coimbatore district collector, requesting assistance to bring her son’s body back to India.

She alleged that embassy officials initially informed her that the repatriation would cost around ₹7 lakh, which was later reduced to ₹3.5 lakh. District administration officials have assured the family that necessary steps would be taken.

Sole breadwinner of the family

A domestic worker by profession, Geetha said Nandakumar was the family’s sole breadwinner. He had completed Class X and worked at a hotel in Coimbatore before moving abroad in search of better employment.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Indian youths lured overseas by fraudulent job offers.