Tragedy in Patiala: Former Punjab IGP Amar Chahal Attempts Suicide After ₹8 Crore Cyber Fraud

PATIALA, DECEMBER 22: In a shocking incident that highlights the rising threat of sophisticated digital scams, former Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Amar Singh Chahal allegedly shot himself with his security guard’s rifle at his residence on Monday.

According to Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma, Chahal was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Before the act, the former IPS officer, who was previously involved in the 2015 Faridkot police firing cases, left a harrowing 12-page suicide note addressed to DGP Gaurav Yadav.

In the letter, Chahal revealed he had been duped of ₹8.10 crore by cybercriminals operating under the guise of the “F-777 DBS Wealth Equity Research Group” on WhatsApp and Telegram. The fraudsters posed as legitimate wealth management advisors linked to DBS Bank, using fake dashboards and promises of high returns via IPOs and “quantitative funds” to lure him into the trap.

Expressing deep despair, Chahal admitted to a lack of caution as he was pressured into paying exorbitant “service fees” and “taxes” to withdraw non-existent profits, ultimately leading him to this drastic step.