Mauganj: A heartbreaking story has emerged from Mauganj, where a 30-year-old teacher, Reshma Pandey, tragically lost her life after suffering relentless harassment from cybercriminals. Reshma, who lived in Ghurehata, consumed poison after being blackmailed and terrorized by fraudsters who claimed she was ‘digitally arrested.’ She was rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa but, sadly, could not be saved.

The term ‘digital arrest‘ is a deceitful trick being used by scammers to extort money from innocent victims. These con artists play on people’s anxieties by using fake video calls or threats involving police and military forces, effectively trapping their victims in fear. Reshma Pandey fell prey to this cruel scam.

Her brother-in-law, Vinod Pandey, shared, ‘When Reshma was supposedly digitally arrested, she was home alone and felt she had no one to turn to. After paying Rs 25,000 to these criminals, they demanding an additional Rs 50,000. They intimidated her with threats of police raids, fines, and a two-year prison sentence.’

A Teacher in Distress

Reshma, who was married and worked as a schoolteacher, initially sent Rs 25,000 to the scammers but couldn’t keep up with their escalating demands. When she stopped answering their video calls, the criminals bombarded her with calls, ringing her over twenty times in one day. They even sent her threatening video messages, pretending to be officials announcing that authorities were on their way to arrest her. Overwhelmed and isolated, Reshma felt she had no way out and took the devastating step of ingesting poison.

📞 Cybercrime Helpline: Dial 1930 (Available 24/7)
🌐 Report Online: www.cybercrime.gov.in
🏦 Bank Fraud: Contact your bank’s customer care and RBI Ombudsman at www.rbi.org.in
📩 Fake Trading/Investment Scams: Report to SEBI via www.scores.gov.in