In a heart-wrenching incident, an elderly couple from Beedi village in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district, died by suicide after allegedly being defrauded of their life savings and subjected to relentless harassment by cybercriminals. The victims, Diogjeron Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife Flaviana (79), had no children and were reportedly left in financial ruin due to an elaborate scam. The couple’s tragic end has once again highlighted the growing menace of cyber fraud and its devastating impact on innocent individuals.
Discovery of the Tragic Incident
The shocking incident came to light when neighbors noticed something amiss at the couple’s residence. Upon entering the house, they found Flaviana lifeless on the bed, while Diogjeron’s body was discovered in an underground water tank. Authorities believe that Flaviana had consumed poison, though confirmation awaits the final autopsy report. Diogjeron, a retired employee of the Maharashtra government secretariat, reportedly inflicted fatal injuries upon himself by stabbing his neck. Additional wounds were also found on his wrist, suggesting a desperate and painful act.
A two-page handwritten suicide note left behind by Diogjeron detailed the couple’s distress, revealing their reasons for taking such a drastic step. In the note, he emphasized that no one should be blamed for their decision, stating that they did not want to live at the mercy of anyone. The note painted a grim picture of their mental and financial state, showing how their lives had been completely shattered by the fraud.
Cyber Fraud and Financial Distress
Investigations into the case revealed that Diogjeron had fallen victim to an online scam, leading him to transfer over ₹50 lakh to fraudsters. Despite making such a substantial payment, the cybercriminals continued to harass and threaten him, demanding additional money. Police, after reviewing digital transaction records, confirmed that the financial fraud had driven the couple into severe economic distress.
To meet the escalating demands of the fraudsters, Diogjeron had taken a gold loan amounting to ₹7.15 lakh, with interest due on June 4. In his suicide note, he requested that their gold be sold to repay the loan, specifying that any remaining amount after covering the principal and interest should be given to certain individuals mentioned in the letter. He also disclosed that he had borrowed money from friends and requested that their loans be settled by selling his wife’s gold bangles and earrings.
The couple, who had lived a peaceful life until falling into the trap of these fraudsters, found themselves helpless in the face of mounting financial pressures. The overwhelming burden of debts and harassment likely pushed them to take the tragic decision to end their lives.
A Painful Decision and Their Final Wishes
In his note, Diogjeron wrote about their sense of hopelessness, stating that at the ages of 82 and 79, they had no one to turn to for support. The elderly couple, who had already spent a lifetime together, felt they could not endure the shame, fear, and distress of being in debt and living in financial ruin. Rather than live in a state of helplessness, they chose to take their own lives.
What stood out in the note was their final wish—to donate their bodies to a medical institution for educational purposes. This heartbreaking request reflected their selflessness even in their last moments, demonstrating a desire to contribute to society despite the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Following the discovery of the suicide note and other crucial evidence, the police took Diogjeron’s mobile phone, the knife used in the act, and the suicide note into custody as part of their investigation. Authorities have registered a case of abetment to suicide and cyber fraud against the two individuals named in the note.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled confirmed that an extensive investigation is underway to track down the fraudsters responsible for the couple’s financial and emotional downfall. Law enforcement officers are working to gather further evidence, identify the accused, and bring them to justice.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of cyber fraud and the devastating toll it can take on unsuspecting victims. Authorities are urging people, especially the elderly, to stay vigilant against online scams and to seek help if they find themselves trapped in financial fraud. With cybercrimes on the rise, there is a growing need for awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures to protect vulnerable individuals from such fraudulent schemes.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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