In a shocking incident that highlights the growing audacity of cybercriminals, a retired district judge in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly defrauded of nearly ₹24 lakh. The perpetrators reportedly exploited the victim’s religious sentiments, promising a subsidized and hassle-free Hajj pilgrimage package that never materialized.
The Deceptive Hajj Offer
According to police reports, the retired judge was contacted by individuals claiming to represent a reputable travel agency specializing in religious tours. The scammers offered an attractive Hajj package, citing special quotas and discounted rates. Over a period of several weeks, the fraudsters built a rapport with the victim, eventually convincing him to transfer funds for registration, luxury accommodation, and travel insurance.
The victim, believing the transaction to be legitimate, transferred approximately ₹24 lakh through various online banking channels across multiple installments. It was only when the promised travel documents failed to arrive and the contact numbers of the representatives went unreachable that the retired official realized he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam.
Investigation and Legal Action
Upon realizing the fraud, the retired judge approached the local authorities to file a formal complaint. The Saharanpur police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
Cyber Cell Tracks the Digital Footprint
The District’s Cyber Cell has been mobilized to track the digital footprint left by the scammers. Preliminary investigations suggest that the bank accounts used to receive the stolen funds are located in different states, indicating a well-organized inter-state cyber fraud syndicate. Officials are currently analyzing call detail records and transaction histories to identify the masterminds behind the operation.
Rising Concerns Over Religious Scams
This incident serves as a grim reminder that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals through emotional and religious appeals. Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings to citizens to verify the credentials of any agency offering pilgrimage packages. Officials recommend checking for official certification from the Ministry of Minority Affairs or the Haj Committee of India before making any financial commitments for religious travel.
