A youth from Gorakhpur, who traveled to Cambodia with hopes of finding employment, found himself coerced into cybercrime by fraudsters, according to a recent complaint filed by his father. The 25-year-old, identified as Ram Pratap, is currently being held captive in Cambodia, with his captors demanding a ransom of Rs 27 lakh for his release.
The incident came to light when Anirudh Singh, the father of the victim, lodged a complaint with the local authorities in Gorakhpur. Singh alleged that his son was lured into traveling to Cambodia through an agent in Bihar, who was recommended by a relative. Once in Cambodia, Pratap was reportedly forced to engage in cybercrime activities by a network of fraudsters.
When Pratap expressed his desire to return to India and refused to cooperate with the criminals, he was allegedly taken hostage. The situation took a grim turn when the family received a call demanding a hefty ransom of Rs 27 lakh for the young man’s food, accommodation, and release expenses. This development has left the family distraught and desperate for their son’s safe return.
Pipraich Station House Officer, Purushottam Singh, confirmed that the initial investigation pointed towards the involvement of the relative who facilitated Pratap’s trip to Cambodia. The relative is currently abroad, and the authorities are looking into the matter to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy.
The exploitation of vulnerable individuals for criminal activities is a growing concern in the global landscape. The case of Ram Pratap serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with seeking employment opportunities in foreign countries through unofficial channels. It highlights the importance of thorough background checks and transparency in the recruitment process to prevent such tragic outcomes.
As the investigation progresses, the authorities are working diligently to secure the safe return of Ram Pratap and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. The distraught family is appealing for support and cooperation from the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the swift and safe resolution of this distressing situation.
In the meantime, this incident should serve as a cautionary tale for other individuals contemplating overseas employment opportunities. It is essential to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and verify the legitimacy of job offers before embarking on such journeys to avoid falling prey to similar schemes orchestrated by unscrupulous elements.
The plight of Ram Pratap underscores the vulnerabilities faced by unsuspecting individuals in unfamiliar environments and the urgent need for greater protection and support systems for those venturing beyond their borders in search of livelihood opportunities. It is a sobering reminder of the harsh realities that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly lucrative job prospects in foreign lands.