Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi
Belagavi, Jan 14: In a dramatic rescue operation, Belagavi police successfully freed three youth from Karnataka who had been held captive by a cyber crime syndicate in Cambodia and brought them back home safely. The victims had reportedly endured nearly a month of brutal confinement.
The rescued youth have been identified as Akash Kaganikar, Omkar Lokhande and Sanskar Lokhande. They were lured abroad with the promise of a high-paying job and later subjected to physical abuse and coercion by cyber fraud operators.
Representational image
According to CEN police inspector J M Kalimirchi, the youth were initially offered a data entry job in Hong Kong with a promised monthly salary of Rs 1 lac. Trusting the offer, they travelled overseas through a Belagavi-based agent.
However, instead of being taken to Hong Kong, they were forcibly diverted to Cambodia.
After reaching Cambodia, the trio were confined and compelled to carry out cyber fraud operations targeting Indians through platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram. When they refused, stating that the work was illegal, they were allegedly assaulted, physically tortured and threatened.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims lost contact with them, triggering panic. Akash’s parents and the Lokhande brothers’ family approached the Belagavi CEN (cyber, economic and narcotics) police station and lodged complaints. Treating the matter with urgency, Belagavi police commissioner Bhushan Borase alerted the Indian embassy in Cambodia.
Following coordinated efforts, Cambodian police raided the cyber crime hub and rescued around 50 youth from India and other countries who were being held captive. Investigations revealed that the racket was allegedly operated by Suresh Hundre and Asif Alwan from Belagavi, along with a person identified as Amit from Jharkhand.
A team led by inspector Kalimirchi played a key role in the rescue operation. A case has been registered at the Belagavi CEN police station and further investigation is underway.
Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused. Police have cautioned youth and job seekers to thoroughly verify overseas employment offers, warning that cyber crime syndicates increasingly use fake job promises to trap and exploit unsuspecting individuals abroad.