In a tragic reminder of the growing terror unleashed by cybercriminals, a 68-year-old lawyer in Bhopal died by suicide on Tuesday evening after allegedly being blackmailed by online fraudsters who threatened to implicate him in the Pahalgam terror attack.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the city and raised serious concerns about how cybercrime is no longer just about financial loss, but is now costing innocent people their lives.
The deceased, Shivkumar Verma, a resident of Barkhedi in Jahangirabad, reportedly ended his life around 7:30 pm by hanging himself.
He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police officials said they recovered a suicide note in which Verma described how fraudsters had trapped and psychologically tormented him.
According to the note, the cybercriminals told him that a bank account in his name had been linked to the Pahalgam terror attack and that his name appeared in the chargesheet.
Terrified by the implication of being connected to a terror case, he wrote that he saw no way out.
Shockingly, instead of seeking help, Verma fought the torment alone. He also recalled in the note his days as a volunteer during the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, reflecting on his lifelong service to society — a heartbreaking contrast to the helplessness he experienced in his final days.
Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra said Verma had never approached the police to report the threats.
“Someone called him and told him that his bank account had been used in suspicious activities. Believing them, he panicked and took the extreme step,” Mishra said.
Issuing a strong warning to the public, the commissioner added:
“These fraudsters are experts in psychological manipulation.
They purposely pressure victims into believing they are guilty of a serious crime. We urge citizens, do not suffer silently, immediately inform the police. We are pursuing legal action in the case.”
The tragic death of Shivkumar Verma underscores a growing national crisis: cybercrime is no longer only making people financially poorer — it is emotionally devastating victims and driving them to suicide through fear, humiliation, and mental torture.
Experts say increased awareness, stronger cyber-policing, and immediate reporting could prevent such tragedies.
But for Verma’s family, the advice has come too late.