Thane Woman Dies by Suicide After Cyber Fraud Notices from Multiple States
A 38-year-old woman in Thane district died by suicide on Tuesday after learning that her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across India, police said. The incident has raised concerns about the psychological pressure that legal scrutiny in cyber crime probes can place on ordinary citizens.
The woman, identified as Devika Armugam Pandaram, a resident of Sairam Society in Dombivli (East), was served a notice by officials from the Churu Cyber Cell police station in Rajasthan on August 8. The notice asked her to appear for questioning regarding a case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police alleged that her account with the Bank of Maharashtra was utilised in an online fraud.
Seeking clarity on the matter, Pandaram approached the Cyber Crime Department at the Thane Police Commissionerate. There, officials informed her that multiple cyber fraud cases had been registered against her in several states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, according to police.
Quoting her relatives, police said that the prospect of having to travel to various states to face questioning left Pandaram panic-stricken. On Tuesday around 4 pm, she used a sharp blade to cut her wrist and throat. Family members rushed her to a nearby private hospital, from where she was referred to the municipal-run Shastri Nagar Hospital. Doctors declared her brought dead.
Police have registered a case of accidental death and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident. Authorities have not yet commented on the status of the cyber fraud cases against Pandaram, and it remains unclear whether she was formally accused or merely a witness.
The incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud in India, where criminals often use mule accounts — bank accounts of unsuspecting individuals — to route stolen money. When such accounts are flagged, the account holders may face legal notices and investigations. Legal experts say that while cooperation with law enforcement is necessary, the process can be intimidating and stressful for those who are unaware of their account being misused.
Mental health professionals stress the importance of seeking help during such crises. The Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health can be reached at 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com. TISS iCall provides support at 022-25521111 from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm. Authorities also urge citizens to verify notices and approach cyber crime cells for guidance if they receive such communication.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater sensitivity and support for individuals caught up in legal proceedings, especially those involving complex cyber crime cases.
