A 19-year-old student at Delhi University’s School of Open Learning died by suicide after falling victim to an online scam while attempting to purchase a mobile phone. He had transferred ₹94,000 across several transactions but never received the device. His body was recovered on July 16 near the STP (water purification plant) in Begumpur.
Disappearance, Final Message, and Tragic Discovery
According to officials, Mahesh Rana sent a message to his mother on July 14, explaining he had lost money in a fraudulent online transaction and was leaving home. Alarmed, she immediately alerted the police. Rana, was reported missing the same day. His body was recovered two days later near the sewage treatment plant in Begumpur, Rohini. Police circulated his photograph on social media in an effort to identify him. On July 19, the family confirmed it was Mahesh. His father, who works in Darjeeling, was away at the time. His mother holds a private job, and he is survived by a 22-year-old sister. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.
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The Human Loss Behind the Numbers
Behind statistical trends are individual lives. This young man, studying through the School of Open Learning, transferred trust and savings into what he believed would be a phone, a decision that tragically ended in his death. His family now faces not just grief, but a struggle for closure and accountability. Support networks, mental health awareness, and digital literacy are vital. Students and families must be cautious in online transactions, especially with unverified sellers. Reporting suspicious activity early can prevent escalation. This tragedy reminds us how vulnerable young people can be in the digital age. Stories like this press us to reflect deeply not just on the power of scams, but on the urgent need for systems that protect students emotionally and financially.
His death is a searing reminder of the human cost behind statistics and the emotional impact of cybercrime. It raises serious questions about how prepared we are as families, schools, and society to protect young people navigating a ruthless digital world.