Hyderabad police arrest fraudster for cheating Indian students studying in USA
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Cybercrime police arrested 28-year-old Kanolla Ashok Kumar from Andhra Pradesh for defrauding Indian students studying in USA universities under the guise of offering a 10 percent discount on university semester fee payments.
The investigation was initiated after a victim, Sudhakar (Name Changed), a resident of Trimulgherry, Hyderabad, reported being defrauded of Rs. 4,38,599. The fraudsters promised a 10 percent discount on the university semester fee payment for Sudhakar’s son, who is studying at the University of West Florida, USA.
In response, the Cyber Crime Police, Hyderabad, registered a case under Cr.No.416/2024 U/sec 66(C), (D) ITA Act-2008 and 419, 420 IPC and conducted an investigation.
Modus operandi: Fraudulent scheme offering 10% discount on university semester fee payments
The accused, Kanolla Ashok Kumar, along with his accomplices Tarun, a resident of USA, and Waquar, residing in Delhi, were employed in various consultancy agencies that send students to the USA for studies. With access to the students’ database, they targeted Indian students studying in various universities in the USA and promised a 10 percent discount on university semester fee payments.
The fraudsters would collect the semester fee amount from the victims into their own bank accounts and then pay the university fee using their credit/debit cards. Initially, the semester fee payment status would appear as paid. However, after a few days, the fraudsters would apply for chargebacks, causing the fee payment status to revert to ‘not paid.’ This scheme enabled the fraudsters to cheat Indian students studying at USA universities.
The investigative team, led by Inspector of Police N. Bose Kiran and comprising team members P. Suresh SI, V. Narsing Rao HC 5920, G. Govinda Rao PC 3566, B. Ravi Sankar PC 4757, SlG. Venkatesh PC 5358, Rajesh Kumar PC 7717, A. Ramu PC 5308, N. Vamshi PC 12392, under the supervision of R. G. Siva Maruthi, ACP, Cybercrime police station, Hyderabad, cracked the case.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
