Dumraon (Buxar): Chandan Prasad, a grocery shop owner from Mathila village in the Koransarai police station area, became a victim of cyber fraud on Monday afternoon. For the past five years, Chandan has been running a small grocery store in Koransarai market to support his family. The sudden theft of ₹58,000 from his account has left his family in shock.
According to reports, Chandan was attending to his store when his mobile screen suddenly turned black, leaving him unable to see anything. Alarmed, he switched off the device and restarted it. Soon after, he received a notification of ₹58,000 being debited from his account, leaving him stunned.
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Victim reports to cyber helpline, faces procedural roadblocks
Chandan immediately contacted the national cyber helpline (1930) and tried to lodge a complaint at the local police station. However, the Koransarai police referred him to the district headquarters’ cyber cell, stating that the matter falls under cybercrime jurisdiction.
At the district cyber cell, Chandan faced further disappointment. Authorities informed him that an FIR can only be filed in cases involving fraud of over ₹1 lakh. Consequently, he was advised to return to the local station, leaving him frustrated after multiple visits and prolonged delays.
When Chandan checked his account at the Allahabad Bank branch in Mathila, he discovered that his balance had been wiped out. He emphasized that he neither clicked on any suspicious link nor interacted with an unknown person via his mobile, yet the funds were withdrawn through UPI.
Police investigation underway, local community on alert
The local police, represented by station authorities, confirmed that the case has been registered and that a thorough investigation is underway at multiple levels. The incident has caused widespread concern in the area, with residents becoming increasingly cautious about their digital banking and online transaction practices.
Cyber fraud experts note that such incidents highlight vulnerabilities in UPI transactions, especially when account authentication steps are bypassed or compromised. Financial authorities continue to advise users to regularly monitor account activity, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing OTPs.
Community and family reaction
The shock and anxiety for Chandan’s family were immediate. With the grocery business being their primary source of livelihood, the sudden depletion of ₹58,000 has placed a significant financial strain. Neighbors and fellow shopkeepers have expressed concern over the rising incidents of cyber fraud in the region.
Chandan has appealed for faster action from law enforcement and banking authorities, emphasizing the need for timely intervention to prevent similar incidents in the community. Meanwhile, local banks are reportedly enhancing monitoring systems and educating customers on digital safety measures.
Experts reiterate that in cases of digital fraud, immediate reporting to both the cyber helpline and the bank is crucial. They also stress the importance of regulatory and procedural clarity so that victims do not face unnecessary delays in lodging complaints or freezing compromised accounts.
Growing cyber fraud concerns in Bihar and beyond
This case in Dumraon is one among many recent cyber fraud incidents across Bihar, where criminals exploit mobile banking systems and UPI vulnerabilities. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, verify transactions promptly, and report suspicious activities without delay.
While technology offers convenience, experts caution that cybercrime is evolving rapidly. Banks, law enforcement agencies, and citizens alike must adopt more proactive measures to secure digital financial transactions. The Dumraon incident underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in handling cyber fraud complaints and protecting users from unexpected losses.
