Retired IFS officer loses ₹29 lakh pension funds to cyber fraud; FIR lodged

• A retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Rakesh Chandra, lost ₹29 lakh from his pension settlement to cyber fraud
• Upon realizing the fraudulent activity, Chandra took immediate action by approaching his bank and requesting the freeze of his account
• An FIR has been registered under IPC sections 419 and 420, along with IT Act sections 66C and 66D

Rakesh Chandra, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer residing in Janakipuram, has fallen victim to a cyber fraud, losing ₹29 lakh from his recently received pension settlement. The ex-officer reported that fraudsters, posing as treasury officers, contacted him and acquired sensitive banking information over a phone call.

Despite taking prompt action by freezing his account, Chandra discovered the entire sum missing a few days later. An FIR has been registered at the cyber crime police station in the city, invoking sections 419 and 420 of the IPC for cheating by impersonation and cheating, along with sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008. Chandra has also alleged the involvement of bank officials in the scam, claiming indifference when seeking assistance.

Rakesh Chandra received a call from an individual claiming to be Kuldeep from the treasury in Lucknow, who extracted his banking details over the phone. Despite taking precautionary measures, including freezing his account, Chandra discovered the ₹29 lakh pension funds missing a few days later. An FIR has been filed against the perpetrators, invoking IPC sections 419 and 420 for cheating, along with sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act.

Chandra has also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of bank officials in the fraudulent activity. Chandra expressed dissatisfaction with the response from bank officials, accusing them of apathy when he approached them after discovering the cyber fraud.