Advocate in Agra Loses Lakhs to Cyber Fraud, Court Orders Probe

Cybercrime is now affecting people from every profession, and even advocates are not safe. In Agra, senior lawyer and former secretary of the Greater Agra Bar, Giridharilal Chaurasia, became a victim of an online fraud in which lakhs of rupees were stolen from his bank account.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on 10 August 2025 at around 6:20 pm. An unknown caller contacted Chaurasia, claiming he needed to send a part payment related to a case. The caller asked for his Google Pay number. Trusting him, the advocate shared the number. Soon after, he received two payment messages—one of ₹50 and another of ₹5,000.

A short while later, the fraudster called again and said he had accidentally transferred ₹49,050 to Chaurasia’s Google Pay and requested the excess amount to be sent back. When the advocate tried to return the money, the transaction failed. The caller then provided a UPI ID, and when Chaurasia attempted the transfer, his entire bank account was drained.

Chaurasia stated that despite informing the Lohamandi Police Station, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, and even the Police Commissioner, no action was taken. Left with no option, he approached the court. The case was heard by ACJM-5 Pankaj Kumar, who has now directed the Lohamandi SHO to investigate the matter.

The incident highlights the growing threat of digital fraud in the country. The government has repeatedly issued warnings through TV, social media, and other channels advising citizens to stay cautious while making online payments. The Supreme Court too has raised concerns over the sharp rise in cybercrime cases.

Experts say cybercriminals are increasingly targeting not just common people but also senior officials and lawyers, using sophisticated tricks to trap victims. Authorities continue to urge the public to verify unknown callers and avoid sharing personal or banking details with anyone.