BELAGAVI
In a significant development, the Nandgad Police on Tuesday arrested Chirag Jeevarajbhai Lakkad of Surat-Gujarat, for his alleged involvement in a cyber fraud linked to the suicides of Goan settlers, Dorgjeron alias Diego Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife, Flaviana Diego Nazareth (79) of Christian Galli, Bidi-Nandgad near Belagavi.
The accused was booked at Nandgad Police Station under multiple sections, including Section 66(D) of the IT Act, and Sections 108, 308(2), 319(2) read with Section 3(5) of the BNS.
According to police sources, a sum of Rs 6.1 lakh was illegally transferred online from the deceased couple’s account to a bank account operated using a mobile number linked to the accused, who then allegedly dispersed the funds to multiple bank accounts through mobile phones in his possession.
Chirag Lakkad was apprehended on April 14, and two mobile phones used in the fraudulent activity were seized. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.
Police believe this arrest is a critical lead in unravelling the financial aspects connected to the tragic suicide of the Christian couple that has stirred widespread concern in Belagavi district.
It may be recalled that the suicide note written in English was recovered from the location, in which Diego Nazareth stated that he had been threatened by an individual claiming to be a high-ranking telecom official from Delhi. The alleged fraudster had threatened Diego that he was being “digitally arrested” for the misuse of his SIM card.
Nandgad Police conducted the investigations under the guidance of Belagavi SP Dr Bheemashankar Guled, who was personally monitoring the case.
