Cyber fraud has emerged as a grave threat in today’s digital age, sparing no one—not even individuals who have served in positions of authority and integrity. In a shocking case from Kerala, Justice Sasidharan Nambiar, a retired judge of the Kerala High Court, fell victim to an elaborate cyber scam, losing Rs 90 lakhs of his hard-earned savings. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of online frauds and the need for robust measures to combat them.
The Incident
Justice Nambiar, who served as an additional judge of the Kerala High Court from 2004 and later as a judicial member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), became a target of cybercriminals through a fraudulent WhatsApp group named Aditya Birla Equity Learning Group.
The group enticed its members with promises of extraordinary returns—up to 850 percent—on investments in online share trading. Trusting these claims, Justice Nambiar made large financial transfers between December 4 and December 24, 2024, using IMPS and RTGS payment methods.
Unfortunately, neither the promised profits nor the principal amount was returned, prompting the retired judge to file a complaint at the Hill Palace Police Station in Ernakulam.
You can also read the latest judgment by visiting [Latest Judgment].
For more information, visit [Aashayein Enquiry Section]
The Investigation
The police have registered the FIR under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act, including:
- Criminal breach of trust (Section 316(2))
- Cheating to induce delivery of property (Section 318(4))
- Cheating by impersonation under the IT Act (Section 66D, 2008)
As part of their investigation, the police recorded Justice Nambiar’s statement at his residence. Two women have been named as the primary accused, and further inquiries are underway to identify other culprits involved in the scam.
Cybercrime: A Growing Concern
This case underscores the alarming rise of cyber frauds in India. Cybercriminals are increasingly using advanced tactics to impersonate credible organizations and lure unsuspecting individuals into their schemes.
Notably, Justice Nambiar’s case is not an isolated incident. Other high-profile victims, including a district judge in Maharashtra who lost Rs 50,000 to fraudsters using a fake WhatsApp profile of a High Court judge, highlight the widespread nature of this menace.
A Distinguished Career Tarnished by Fraud
Justice Nambiar’s illustrious legal career makes this incident even more disheartening. Enrolling as an advocate in 1975, he joined the Kerala State Judicial Service as a Munsiff and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various judicial capacities, including:
- Sub Judge (1985)
- District and Sessions Judge (1990)
- MACT Judge in Manjeri
- Registrar of the Kerala High Court (2002)
After an exemplary tenure in law and the judiciary, Justice Nambiar retired in 2018. However, his life savings, built over decades, were drained in a matter of days by cybercriminals.
Lessons from the Case
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in online interactions:
1. Always cross-check investment opportunities with credible sources. Fraudsters often misuse established brand names to gain trust.
2. Promises of extraordinarily high returns are almost always too good to be true.
3. Use two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and secure payment gateways to protect your finances.
4. Timely reporting of frauds to law enforcement can help in investigation and recovery.
Conclusion
The cyber fraud against Justice Sasidharan Nambiar highlights the vulnerabilities of even the most informed individuals in the face of evolving digital scams. While the authorities work towards identifying and penalizing the culprits, this case emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, stricter cybersecurity laws, and technological advancements to protect citizens from such devastating losses.Let this incident be a wake-up call for individuals and institutions alike to prioritize digital safety and remain vigilant in the ever-expanding cyber world.
