Belagavi, Karnataka – March 29, 2025: In a tragic incident, an elderly couple from Bidi village near Khanapur reportedly died by suicide on Thursday night, following relentless harassment and extortion by cybercriminals.
The victims, identified as Diago Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife Flaviana Nazareth (79), took the extreme step after transferring over ₹50 lakh to unidentified fraudsters, according to a report by The New Indian Express.
Cyber Fraud and Intimidation
According to the Belagavi police, the couple had been receiving threatening video calls from cyber fraudsters, who falsely claimed that Diago had been "digitally arrested" for alleged misuse of his SIM card. Despite making hefty payments to the fraudsters, the intimidation continued, ultimately pushing them to take their own lives.
Reports indicate that Diago slit his throat, while Flaviana consumed poison inside their home. Their bodies were discovered by neighbors, who immediately alerted the Nandgad police. Flaviana was found deceased inside the house, whereas Diago’s body was recovered from an underground water tank within their premises.
Suicide Note Reveals Financial Struggles
Authorities recovered a suicide note written in English, in which the couple detailed their financial distress. They disclosed that they had borrowed money from individuals in Goa to meet the cybercriminals’ demands and instructed that their loans be repaid by selling their assets. The note further revealed that the intimidation came from a fraudster posing as a senior telecom official from Delhi.
A Respected Community Figure
Diago, a retired employee of the Maharashtra Government Secretariat (Mantralaya), was well-regarded in the community and known for mentoring students for competitive exams.
Last Wishes and Burial
The couple had expressed their desire for their bodies to be donated to medical colleges for academic purposes. However, the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) declined to accept them due to technical reasons. Consequently, the couple was laid to rest at a cemetery in Bidi village.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the case and are working to trace the cybercriminals responsible for the harassment. This tragic incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud in India and underscores the need for stronger awareness and protective measures for vulnerable individuals.
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