Gorakhpur — A case of alleged human trafficking and forced cybercrime has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district, where a 25-year-old youth, Ram Pratap, has reportedly been held hostage in Cambodia by a cybercrime syndicate. The victim’s family claims they are being coerced to pay Rs 27 lakh for his release.
According to a formal complaint lodged by the youth’s father, Anirudh Singh, his son had travelled to Cambodia last month in search of employment. Hailing from Matiyaniya Junibi village under Pipraich police station limits, Ram Pratap had gone abroad through an agent based in Bihar, who was introduced to the family by a relative. Singh stated that soon after arriving in Cambodia, Ram Pratap was allegedly forced into cybercrime operations by a gang operating there. When he resisted participation and expressed his desire to return to India, the situation turned hostile. He was reportedly taken captive by the group, and efforts to bring him back were thwarted.
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In his complaint, Singh mentioned that the relative who facilitated the travel arrangement took Rs 21,000 from the family with the promise of ensuring Ram Pratap’s safe return. However, communication with Ram Pratap revealed that things had escalated further. Two days ago, the family received a threatening phone call demanding Rs 27 lakh — allegedly to cover the costs of his food, accommodation, and “release.” Pipraich Station House Officer (SHO) Purushottam Singh confirmed that a preliminary investigation has been launched into the matter. “Initial findings suggest that the youth was sent to Cambodia with the help of a relative. The father has named this relative in his written complaint. The youth is still abroad, and a detailed investigation is underway,” the SHO said.
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The case has sparked concern among authorities over the growing trend of young Indians being lured abroad with false promises of employment, only to be trapped in illegal cybercrime rackets operating in Southeast Asia. Cambodian cities, in particular, have come under the scanner in recent years for being hubs of organized cybercrime, often involving forced labor. Family members and villagers have now appealed to the government and Indian embassy officials to intervene and secure the safe return of Ram Pratap.
This incident follows a spate of similar cases reported in recent months, where Indian nationals were allegedly coerced into cyber scams after being trafficked to countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar under the guise of lucrative job offers.