Bhubaneswar, October 30, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Former IPS officer DK Panda, famously known as ‘Doosri Radha’ for his spiritual devotion, has lodged a complaint with Prayagraj’s Dhoomanganj police, alleging he was defrauded of Rs 381 crore in a complex online trading scam. The retired officer, who gained attention for his unique public appearances as Radha, has requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, citing suspected terror financing links.
Background of the Complaint
A native of Odisha and a 1971-batch IPS officer, Panda retired voluntarily from his role as Inspector General (IG) in Uttar Pradesh in 2005. Since then, he has lived a spiritual life in Prayagraj, where he is now known as Baba Krishnanand. Recently, however, Panda found himself in the midst of a cybercrime ordeal, claiming his accumulated online trading profits were siphoned off by cybercriminals.
Details of the Alleged Cyber Fraud
According to Panda’s complaint, the fraud began when he was introduced to online trading by a man named Rahul Gupta, affiliated with a London-based firm called Fimnix Group. Panda claims he invested substantial sums through Fimnix Group’s platform, Finnixgroup.com, and initially saw promising returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw his funds, he was asked to pay various fees—related to tax, conversion, and liquidity. Despite complying with these requests, he was unable to access his money, totaling Rs 381 crore.
Escalation of Threats and Alleged Terror Links
Panda states that following his unsuccessful attempts to withdraw the funds, he was contacted by an individual named Aarav Sharma, who claimed to represent the CySEC regulatory agency in Cyprus. Sharma allegedly threatened Panda using abusive language, demanding an additional Rs 8 lakh. According to Panda, Sharma further intimidated him by threatening to misuse Panda’s identity documents—such as his passport, Aadhaar, and PAN cards—to fund terror activities, aiming to implicate him in international criminal operations.
In a concerning escalation, Panda reports that Sharma’s associate, identified only as Deepak, contacted him and warned him to cooperate with their demands to prevent his funds from being used for terror financing. Panda expressed alarm over these threats, stating that they reflect a potential terror-related angle and underscoring the urgency of a thorough investigation by central agencies.
Formal Request for CBI/NIA Investigation
Given the nature of the threats and the large financial sum involved, Panda has requested that the case be transferred to the CBI or NIA to thoroughly investigate the suspected links to international crime and potential terrorism financing. Having served as a senior law enforcement officer, Panda’s knowledge of criminal threats adds weight to his request.
Confirming the complaint, Dhoomanganj Station Officer Amarnath Rai stated that an FIR has been filed and preliminary inquiries are underway.
From Officer to Cybercrime Victim
Once a respected officer and crimefighter, Panda’s recent ordeal marks a stark shift. Known for his devotion to Lord Krishna and controversial public persona as ‘Doosri Radha,’ Panda’s life took a spiritual turn post-retirement. Now, however, he faces an unexpected battle as a victim of cyber fraud, highlighting the vulnerability even high-profile figures face in today’s digital age.
Continued Pressure and Developments in the Case
Since filing his complaint, Panda alleges further intimidation attempts, with more contacts from Cyprus pressuring him to comply with the financial demands. His case has gained public attention due to its blend of high-profile identity theft, international cyber fraud, and alleged terror financing, underscoring the need for stringent cybersecurity and robust investigation mechanisms to handle such complex, cross-border fraud.
Also Read: Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Haryana IPS Officer: Women Commission Seeks Transfer
 or National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, citing suspected terror financing links.){kind=link}