Patna: A 24-year-old student from the Kankarbagh police station area was found dead near Rajendra Nagar Terminal on Friday morning, days after she went missing from her home on October 5. The body of an unidentified man was also recovered nearby.
The student’s family has alleged that she was subjected to cyber fraud and a possible digital arrest scam, claiming that cybercriminals repeatedly contacted her to demand money. They also alleged that the police failed to take effective action despite a missing person complaint filed on October 6.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. No official link has yet been established between the alleged cyber fraud, the financial transactions and the student’s death.
Family alleges digital arrest scam
According to the family, the student had been receiving repeated calls from different numbers, including some reportedly originating from Dubai and other states. The callers allegedly claimed that she had taken a loan and threatened that recovery agents would visit her home if the outstanding amount was not repaid.
Family members said they had argued with the callers on several occasions over the demands.
The family later discovered that more than Rs 1.5 lakh had been transferred from the student’s father’s bank account to various accounts. They suspect that cybercriminals coerced her into making the transactions through a digital arrest scam.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and investigators have yet to establish whether the transactions were connected to the deaths.
Student went missing on October 5
According to her brother, the student left home between 10am and 11am on October 5, saying she was going near the National Institute of Technology (NIT) to fill out a form. She was carrying a small bag and did not return home.
Her family lodged a missing person complaint at the Kankarbagh police station on October 6.
The family alleges that they repeatedly contacted and visited the police station seeking updates but did not receive satisfactory responses. They also claimed that the student’s mobile number remained active when they called it, but that no effective steps were taken to trace her or investigate the information associated with the number.
The brother questioned the handling of the case, saying a prompt technical investigation might have helped locate his sister.
The family further alleged that police personnel repeatedly speculated about a possible romantic relationship instead of adequately examining the suspected cyber fraud.
Police investigation underway
The station house officer of the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Rajendra Nagar Terminal confirmed the student’s identity and said she had been reported missing.
An unnatural death case has been registered, and the police are investigating. The Kankarbagh police have also been contacted in connection with the case.
The student’s mobile phone, bag and other belongings have been recovered. The identity of the man found dead nearby and the cause of both deaths remain to be established through the investigation.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the student was a victim of cybercrime or whether the alleged financial coercion contributed to the circumstances surrounding her death.
