Mira-Bhayandar: Gurusaday Bhattacharya, a senior citizen residing in Navghar, is among the fortunate few. On April 24, Bhattacharya received Rs 6.65 lakh that was stolen from him in December 2024.

Cyber police station under the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate, after a four-month-long legal and procedural effort, successfully recovered the money.

In December Bhattacharya received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller, under the pretence of urgency and misinformation, manipulated the victim into transferring a large sum of money online.

Realizing that he had been deceived, Bhattacharya promptly approached the cyber police station and lodged a formal complaint on December 19. The case was registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

Cyber officials traced the fraudulent transactions and managed to get the amount in the suspect account frozen. To recover the amount legally, Bhattacharya was advised to file a petition in court.

Cyber Police Station then submitted a detailed report to the court, and after legal proceedings, a favourable order was obtained.

"This was not just a recovery; it was about restoring trust. Our team worked tirelessly with the bank and followed up consistently with the court to ensure justice for the victim," Sujitkumar Gunjkar, police inspector, said.

A symbolic cheque was presented to Bhattacharya on April 24, marking the successful end to the case.

The Cyber Police also emphasized the importance of public awareness and vigilance in such cases:

Do not make financial transactions based on unverified information from unknown callers.

Never share personal or banking information over the phone.

Beware of fraudsters impersonating officials from agencies like CBI, Police, ED, or Income Tax.

If you suspect fraud or receive suspicious calls, immediately report it to your nearest police station or call the cybercrime helpline at 1930/1945 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.