Incident Overview and Family Concerns

A 22-year-old IT professional, Shikhar Saxena, was reportedly found dead in Pune on October 1, following a missing person’s complaint filed by his family. His relatives suspect that he may have been targeted by cyber fraudsters who allegedly threatened him with false criminal charges. Shikhar, who had recently joined Accenture, fell from a high-rise building shortly before his death, raising questions about the circumstances leading to this tragic event.

Shikhar’s father, Kumar Gaurav Saxena, has claimed that his son received multiple threatening calls demanding money. The callers purportedly warned that Shikhar would be implicated in a drugs-related case if he did not comply. This situation has led the family to believe that Shikhar was a victim of a scam similar to the notorious “drug parcel scam,” where fraudsters extort money by falsely linking individuals to illegal activities.

On September 30, a caller attempted to reach Shikhar, but the call was redirected to his mother, who informed the caller that her son was in Pune. The caller subsequently contacted Kumar Gaurav, initially impersonating a friend from an online game. When Kumar Gaurav pointed out that his son did not play such games, the caller ended the conversation. The caller later re-established contact, this time claiming to be a sub-inspector from Haryana, alleging that Shikhar was wanted in connection with drug sales.

Investigation into Financial Transactions

Following Shikhar’s death, the family examined his laptop and discovered financial transaction records dated September 29. These transactions indicated money transfers to various bank accounts associated with a contact named “Ajay Kumar,” who was saved in Shikhar’s WhatsApp. The exact amounts and the recipients of these transactions remain unclear, prompting investigators to delve deeper into the financial activities leading up to the incident.

The family’s suspicions were further heightened when they received another suspicious call on October 13 from an individual claiming to be from a courier office, inquiring about Shikhar. When Kumar Gaurav began questioning the caller, the call was abruptly disconnected. This prompted him to file a police complaint on October 14, accusing two unidentified individuals of extortion, criminal intimidation, and abetment of suicide.

An FIR has been lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 108, 308(6), and 351(4). The police are now investigating these claims and the circumstances surrounding Shikhar’s death.

Police Investigation and Next Steps

Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Chavan has stated that cyber fraud is one of several angles being examined in connection with Shikhar’s death. Authorities are scrutinising the mobile numbers and bank accounts linked to the callers. Investigators are also attempting to unlock Shikhar’s mobile phone, which may provide additional evidence regarding the threats he faced.

According to Inspector Chavan, the suspects are believed to be operating from outside Maharashtra, complicating the investigation. Shikhar, originally from Uttarakhand, had completed his BTech from the National Institute of Technology in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, before securing a position at Accenture in July as an Advanced Engineering Analyst.

Kumar Gaurav, a government official in Uttarakhand, has described his son as a talented and well-mannered individual. He has called for the apprehension of those responsible for Shikhar’s alleged mental torment, highlighting the need for justice in this distressing case.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share