Ex-IPS officer demands CBI, NIA probe in ₹381-crore cyber fraud case with alleged terror links

Bhubaneswar (The Uttam Hindu): Former IPS officer DK Panda, widely known as ‘Doosri Radha’ due to his spiritual devotion, has filed a complaint with the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj, alleging a sophisticated online trading scam in which he lost ₹381 crore. Panda, who has transitioned into a spiritual figure known as Baba Krishnanand post-retirement, is urging an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing suspected links to terror financing.

**Background of the Complaint**

Originally from Odisha, Panda, a 1971-batch IPS officer, voluntarily retired as Inspector General (IG) in Uttar Pradesh in 2005. Since then, he has led a spiritual life in Prayagraj. Recently, he reported falling victim to cybercriminals, alleging that his accumulated online trading profits were fraudulently taken.

**Details of the Alleged Cyber Fraud**

In his complaint, Panda stated that the fraud began after he was introduced to online trading by Rahul Gupta, who was associated with a London-based company, Fimnix Group. Panda claims he invested significant amounts through the company's platform, Finnixgroup.com, and initially saw profitable returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw his funds, he was asked to pay additional fees for taxes, conversions, and liquidity. Despite complying, Panda was unable to retrieve his ₹381 crore.

**Threats and Alleged Terror Links**

Following these unsuccessful withdrawal attempts, Panda alleges he was contacted by Aarav Sharma, who claimed to represent Cyprus’s CySEC regulatory agency. Sharma reportedly used abusive language and demanded an additional ₹8 lakh, threatening to misuse Panda’s identity documents—including his passport, Aadhaar, and PAN cards—to finance terror activities and implicate him in international crimes. Panda further claimed that an associate of Sharma, named Deepak, warned him to cooperate to prevent his funds from being diverted to terror financing.

**Formal Request for CBI/NIA Investigation**

Considering the severity of the threats and the substantial financial loss, Panda is requesting that central agencies like the CBI or NIA take over the investigation to thoroughly explore the suspected international crime and potential terror connections. Given Panda's experience as a senior police officer, his concerns carry significant weight.

Confirming the complaint, Dhoomanganj Station Officer Amarnath Rai stated that an FIR has been filed and preliminary inquiries are ongoing.

**A Shift from Law Enforcement to Cybercrime Victim**

Panda's transition from a distinguished officer to a victim of cyber fraud marks a significant turn in his life. Known for his devotion to Lord Krishna and unique public persona as ‘Doosri Radha,’ Panda’s new challenge highlights the vulnerability of even prominent figures in today’s digital landscape.

**Ongoing Pressure and Case Developments**

Since lodging the complaint, Panda claims he has faced additional intimidation attempts, with more contacts from Cyprus pressuring him to meet their financial demands. The case has attracted public attention due to its blend of high-profile identity misuse, international cyber fraud, and alleged terror financing, emphasizing the need for effective cybersecurity measures and thorough investigations into such complex cross-border crimes.