Two Convicted for Cyber Fraud Involving Fake Email ID Creation, Sentenced to Prison
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a landmark cybercrime case, the Hon’ble XII Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, under the leadership of Smt. G. Anusha, has convicted two individuals for cheating by personation using computer resources. The convicted individuals, Avvaru Laxmi Deepak and Ragula Sravan Kumar, were found guilty of creating a fake email ID and using it to defraud a Hyderabad-based woman of her shares, under Crime No. 219/2019, Section 419 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000.
Accused Individuals:
- Avvaru Laxmi Deepak (32 years), son of Venkat Rao, resident of Warrisguda, Secunderabad.
- Ragula Sravan Kumar (33 years), son of Late Raju, resident of Tarnaka, Hyderabad.
Case Background:
The victim, a 46-year-old woman from Hyderabad, was deceived by the accused persons through the fraudulent creation of a fake email ID. The victim, who had shares in various companies in her Demat account, was approached by Avvaru Laxmi Deepak (A1) in 2014. He promised to assist her in retrieving unclaimed shares from her deceased father’s account. To facilitate this, A1 convinced the woman to open a Demat and Trading account with M/s Aditya Birla Money Ltd. However, without her knowledge or consent, A1 also created a fake email ID in her name, despite her lack of knowledge in operating phones or creating emails.
Over the course of several years, A1 misused the woman’s accounts, transferring her shares and committing fraudulent transactions. The victim only became aware of the fraud in 2018, when she filed a police complaint. A case was registered under Crime No. 219/2019, and a thorough investigation was launched.
Investigation and Arrest:
The investigation, led by the Cyber Crime Unit of Hyderabad and overseen by Inspector of Police, Sri Ch. Gangadhar, revealed the fraudulent activities through careful analysis of the call detail records. These records linked Ragula Sravan Kumar (A2) to the fraudulent scheme, as he assisted A1 in the creation of the fake email ID and the subsequent illegal transactions.
Conviction and Sentencing:
After a comprehensive investigation and trial, the court convicted both accused for personation and cyber fraud. The Hon’ble Court sentenced the accused persons to six months of simple imprisonment each and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 66-D of the IT Act, 2000. In the event of non-payment of the fine, the accused will serve an additional month in simple imprisonment.
The conviction was delivered on February 4, 2025, and marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat cyber-crimes.
Law Enforcement Recognition:
The Hyderabad Police Commissioner (CP) commended the efforts of the Cyber Crimes Team, acknowledging the dedication and professionalism displayed throughout the investigation and prosecution process. Key contributors to this successful outcome include:
- Inspector Ch. Gangadhar, Investigating Officer
- Court Duty Officers: S. Srisailam, Narsing Rao, J. Raja Gopal Rao, Mohd Mahboob Ali Khan
- ACP/SHO Cybercrime: R.G. Siva Maruthi
- Assistant Public Prosecutor: G. Raghavendra
The case serves as a stern reminder of the serious consequences of cyber fraud and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and the judiciary to protect citizens from such crimes.
Closing Statement:
The conviction in this case sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to curbing cyber-crimes and safeguarding the public from digital fraud. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and collaborative efforts between police, prosecutors, and the judiciary to achieve justice.
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