Heartbreaking End Sparks Justice: Accused Arrested After Elderly Couple Dies by Suicide in Rs 50 Lakh Cyber Scam
In a deeply tragic case that shook Karnataka’s Belagavi district, police have arrested the key accused in a cyber fraud that pushed an elderly couple to end their lives. Chirag Jeevarajbhai Lakkad, the man allegedly behind the scam, was tracked down and apprehended in Surat, Gujarat, by the Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics Crime Police.
The victims, 82-year-old Diogjeron Santan Nazareth—a retired Maharashtra government employee—and his 79-year-old wife Flaviana, died by suicide in their home on March 27. Diogjeron fatally stabbed himself, while his wife is believed to have consumed poison. Their two-page handwritten note detailed the emotional and financial torment caused by the scam.
Pretending to be officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Crime Branch, the fraudsters—led by Lakkad—convinced the couple that a SIM card had been illegally registered in Diogjeron’s name and used for unlawful activities. They threatened legal action unless he paid up.
The scam unfolded over multiple video calls. Diogjeron ended up transferring over Rs 50 lakh, taking loans from friends and even pawning gold jewelry. Despite his efforts, the demands never ceased. He mentioned a gold loan of Rs 7.15 lakh, with repayment due in June, and requested in the letter that his wife’s bangles and earrings be sold to settle debts.
The note also revealed Diogjeron’s final wish: that their bodies be donated to a medical institution for students to learn from—a testament to his lifelong sense of service.
The arrest of Lakkad comes as a small step toward justice in a case that highlights the devastating impact of cybercrime. He has been charged with online fraud and abetment to suicide. Two other individuals—Sumit Birra and Anil Yadav—were also named in the death note and are under investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger cybercrime vigilance and senior citizen support systems in India.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
