Cybercriminal posing as retired ASP cheated police inspector of ₹1.62L by offering to arrange Tirumala darshan, accommodation

Hyderabad: A cybercriminal posing as a retired Additional Superintendent of Police cheated a police inspector of Rs 1.62 lakh by offering to arrange Tirumala protocol darshan and accommodation.

A case has been registered at the Rachakonda Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the money.

Caller poses as retired police officer

According to police, the incident dates back to November 16, when an unknown person contacted the inspector over the phone, introducing himself as retired Additional SP Narasimha Reddy.

The caller claimed that his son Lokesh’s bank account had been frozen and sought the inspector’s help in getting it unfrozen. The inspector advised him to visit the police station and submit relevant documents for verification.

Trust built through false assurances

During the conversation, the caller sought to gain the inspector’s confidence by offering a favour in return. He claimed that he could arrange Tirumala darshan and accommodation under protocol whenever the inspector or his family visited the temple.

The inspector later mentioned this assurance to his wife, a music teacher.

Tirumala visit planned

A few days later, at his wife’s request, the inspector contacted the caller again, seeking assistance to attend the Nadaneerajanam programme at Tirumala.

After discussing suitable dates, December 21 was finalised. The accused assured that protocol darshan and accommodation arrangements had been completed.

₹1.62 Lakh collected for ‘Arrangements’

The caller subsequently demanded Rs 1.62 lakh, claiming the amount was required to finalise protocol darshan and lodging. Trusting the assurances, the inspector transferred the money.

However, when he sought confirmation and tickets, the accused began avoiding calls and delaying the matter with vague excuses.

Fraud comes to light

Growing suspicious, the inspector contacted his batchmates and other police officials posted at Tirumala. They confirmed that no retired Additional SP by the name of Narasimha Reddy was associated with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Realising that he had been cheated, the inspector lodged a complaint at the cybercrime police station.

Investigation underway

Police have registered a case and initiated efforts to identify the accused, trace the money trail, and recover the amount. Officials have also cautioned the public against falling for offers of “protocol” darshan made by unknown individuals.