A woman was found dead at home and a suicide note was found stating she took the extreme step after being duped online by a fraudster.
Police said that the 20-year-old woman worked in a beauty parlor in Oteri. When she was searching for cosmetic products four months ago, a stranger introduced himself on the social media platform, claiming to be a businessman based in London. After some time, he promised to marry her when he came to Tamil Nadu. Both exchanged their mobile numbers.
Recently, he called her and told that he has sent her foreign currency as a gift and it is with the customs. The caller said that he would have to pay ₹45,000 to the department to receive the gift. He said he didn’t want a gift and didn’t give money. Police said he threatened her that since the customs department had her address details, if she did not pay the amount, the police of other countries would register a case and arrest her. He paid ₹ 50,000 in instalments. However, the caller kept nagging him to pay more. Since she was not able to fulfill his demands, police said, she ended her life on Thursday.
(Help to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on the state health helpline 104, tele-manas 14416 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)