Agra: In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Agra, a dedicated teacher's life was cut short by a sinister phone call. Malti Verma, 58, a respected educator at a Junior High School in Achhnera, fell victim to a cruel cyber scam that exploited her deepest fears as a mother. The tragic events of September 30, 2024, have left a family in mourning and a community grappling with the deadly potential of digital deception.
A Call That Changed Everything
It was just another school day for Malti Verma when her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. Little did she know that answering this call would set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately claim her life.
The voice on the other end claimed to be a police officer, delivering news that would be any parent's worst nightmare: Verma's daughter was allegedly caught up in a prostitution ring. The scammers, masquerading as law enforcement, demanded a ransom of Rs 1 lakh to keep the supposed scandal under wraps. Their threats were chilling – pay up, or watch her daughter's reputation crumble.
A Son's Desperate Attempt to Intervene
Deepanshu Rajput, Verma's son, recounted the harrowing experience to reporters. "My mother called me in a panic," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I could hear the fear in her voice as she told me about these so-called police officers and their outrageous claims."
Rajput, sensing something amiss, sprang into action. He quickly verified the phone number and realized it was a scam. "I called my sister immediately," he explained. "Everything was fine. She was safe, unaware of any trouble. It was all a lie."
Despite his best efforts to reassure his mother, the damage was done. The seed of fear had been planted, and it was growing rapidly.
The Deadly Toll of Digital Deception
As the school day wore on, Verma's emotional state deteriorated. The weight of the fraudsters' words, though false, pressed heavily upon her. By the time she returned home that afternoon, the stress had taken a physical toll.
"She complained of chest pain and severe anxiety," Rajput recalled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late."
Malti Verma, a beloved teacher and mother, succumbed to a heart attack – a fatal consequence of a cruel hoax.
A Family's Quest for Justice
In the wake of their loss, Verma's family is determined to see justice done. They've filed a formal complaint with the Jagdishpura Police Station, urging authorities to track down the cybercriminals responsible for this tragedy.
"My mother was more than just a victim of fraud," Rajput stated firmly. "These scammers didn't just target her finances – they attacked her heart. Their actions killed her as surely as if they'd used a weapon."
Officer Anandveer Singh, heading the investigation, has promised a thorough probe. "We take these cyber crimes very seriously," he assured. "The perpetrators will face the full force of the law."