Retired Kerala Judge Loses ₹90 Lakh
Retired Kerala High Court Judge Sasidharan Nambiar fell victim to a cyber scam, losing ₹90 lakh through a fraudulent share trading app named “Adithya Birla.” The app’s name resembled the reputed Aditya Birla Group, misleading investors.
How the Fraud Unfolded On retired Kerala Judge
Justice Nambiar was added to a WhatsApp group named “Adithya Birla,” where fraudsters sent a trading link promising an 850% profit. Between December 4 and December 30, 2024, he invested around ₹90 lakh through IMPS and RTGS transactions. The scammers neither provided the promised profit nor returned the principal amount.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The FIR cites IPC Sections 316(4) for criminal breach of trust, 318(4) for cheating, and Section 66D of the IT Act for impersonation. The Hill Palace Police registered the case on January 5. They handed it over to the Kochi Cyber Police for further investigation.
Kerala’s Cyber Fraud Surge
Cyber fraud cases are increasing at an alarming rate in Kerala, posing a serious threat to individuals and businesses. In 2024 alone, fraudsters swindled over ₹700 crore, leaving countless victims in financial distress. Authorities froze nearly 36,000 bank accounts involved in various scams to curb the menace. Despite efforts to tackle the issue, cybercriminals continue to exploit loopholes in online systems. The sharp rise in these crimes highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns.
