Cyber Crime Police Act Swiftly Against Unauthorized Fundraiser
The cyber-crime unit has detained a woman for allegedly launching an unauthorized crowdfunding campaign in the name of Prasant Satpathy, the Odisha resident who tragically lost his life during the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The incident has added further distress to Satpathy’s grieving family, who were unaware of the fundraiser and have categorically disapproved of it.
Prasant’s wife, Priyadarshini, who filed the formal complaint, appealed to the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities. “No amount of money can bring him back. The government has already supported us generously. Any money collected in his name should instead be donated to a legitimate trust,” she stated, emphasizing the family’s firm rejection of unauthorized solicitations.
Details of the Scam: Exploiting Grief for Personal Gain
According to the police, the woman, acting independently, posted a call for donations on Facebook, citing Prasant’s name and providing a UPI-linked mobile number. She assured potential donors that the funds would be handed over to the Satpathy family, even though no consent had been sought from them.
During the investigation, it was revealed that approximately Rs 18,000 had already been transferred to her account by well-meaning donors. Authorities have since frozen the account to prevent further transactions.
Prasant’s elder brother, Sushant, confirmed to the media that the family had not approved any fundraising activity. “We never authorized anyone to collect money on our behalf. Strong action must be taken to deter such exploitation,” he said. The accused initially claimed to have informed Prasant’s younger brother, Jayant, but the family disputes any formal communication or approval regarding the fundraiser.
The Broader Picture: Rise of Cyber Fraud in Times of Crisis
This case highlights a worrying trend where scammers increasingly exploit public sympathy following tragedies. The rise of digital payment systems and social media platforms has made it easier for bad actors to set up fraudulent campaigns, reaching thousands with minimal effort.
Cybercrime authorities across India are observing a surge in similar fraudulent activities, where grief and humanitarian crises are manipulated for personal gain. Despite stricter regulations around online fundraising, monitoring every campaign remains challenging.
Prasant Satpathy, an accounts assistant at the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) in Balasore, was enjoying a vacation with his wife and young son when he fell victim to a terrorist attack on April 22. Recognizing his loss, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 20 lakh compensation and a government job for Prasant’s family — further underlining that no unofficial fundraising was necessary.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Ethical Responsibility
The exploitation of a tragedy for personal profit is deeply unethical and compounds the suffering of grieving families. This case serves as a stark reminder that while technology can be a powerful tool for support and solidarity, it can also be misused with devastating effects.
Citizens must exercise caution before contributing to online fundraisers, verifying their authenticity through official channels. Moreover, authorities must continue strengthening cyber law enforcement to protect vulnerable families from digital exploitation during their darkest hours. Trust must not become a casualty in the age of online transactions.
(With agency inputs)
