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Hyderabad: A 41-year-old businessman in Hyderabad fell victim to a cyber financial fraud involving fake forex trading. The Cybercrime police are investigating the case after the victim reported losing ₹8.9 lakhs (Eight lakhs ninety thousand rupees).

According to the police, the victim received a WhatsApp message from individuals claiming to be representatives of XTB Traders and XTB Forex Trading Company. These companies are fictitious entities designed to lure unsuspecting victims. The scammers promised high returns through forex trading and created a fake trading account for the businessman. They then added him to a Telegram group named “XTB Forex Trading.”

To gain his trust, the scammers deposited ₹1 lakh into the victim’s account supposedly as a “benefit of joining.” They then allowed the victim to trade this initial amount and, conveniently, generated a small profit. This tactic is a classic confidence trick used to make the scam appear legitimate.

The fraudsters then encouraged the victim to invest his own money, promising further profits. Initially, they guided him towards seemingly successful trades, further solidifying their charade. However, as the victim deposited more funds based on their instructions, the scammers manipulated the fake trading platform to deplete his account entirely. The victim was ultimately blocked from all communication channels with the scammers, including his XTB and Telegram accounts.

The Cybercrime police issued a public advisory to warn citizens about such online scams. Here are some key points to remember:

• Fraudsters often operate via social media platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

• They advertise fake trading apps and websites, promising high returns with no regulatory oversight from SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

• They lure victims with simple tactics like fake profit screenshots and initial small “gains” within the fabricated platform.

• Never trust promises of unrealistic returns.

If you suspect you are a victim of cyber financial fraud, act immediately. Here’s how to report the crime:

• Dial the National Cyber Crime Helpline number: 1930

• Visit the official cybercrime portal:

https://cybercrime.gov.in/

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has announced that several areas will experience a temporary disruption in water supply on July 4, 2024 (Thursday).

This interruption is necessary due to emergency maintenance work at the 132KV Peddapur substation. The maintenance includes the replacement of a 132KV breaker, control and relay panel, and overhauling of isolators at the 132KV substation Kandi.

The electrical shutdown is scheduled to last for 24 hours, starting from 7:00 a.m. on July 4 and concluding at 7:00 a.m. on July 5.

No water supply and low water pressure will be experienced in the following areas on Thursday:

O&M Division No. III: Shaikpet Reservoir will experience no water supply, while Bhojagutta will have low water pressure.

O&M Division No. VI: Banjara Hills, Erragadda reservoir, Jubilee Hills, and Somajiguda (Lingampally reservoir areas) will have low water pressure. Borabanda reservoir will have no water supply.

O&M Division No. IX: Moosapet will have no water supply, while KPHB and Hydernagar will experience low water pressure (all under Lingampally reservoir areas).

O&M Division No. XV: Nallagandla, Chandanagar, Huda Colony, Hafeezpet (all online supplies) and areas under Lingampally reservoir command will have no water supply.

O&M Division No. XVIII: Manikonda, Narsingh, Manchirevula, and other online supplies under the 1200mm via Khanapur gravity main will have no water supply.

O&M Division No. XXIV: Tellapur and bulk connections of O&M Division No. VIII will have no water supply.

NO WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS ON 4 JULY 2024

To take up the work for emergency power shut down at 132KV Peddapur substation for attending replacement of 132KV breaker, control & relay panel and isolator overhauling works at 132KV substation Kandi for 24 hours from 7.00 am on…

— HMWSSB (@HMWSSBOnline) July 1, 2024

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) officials urge consumers to use water conservatively during this period to minimize inconvenience.

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.