Kattappana: In a notable interstate criminal case involving ATM fraud, law enforcement authorities in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu successfully apprehended the mastermind behind a series of deceitful acts. The incident unfolded in Kattappana, Kerala, where Thambiraj, a 46-year-old individual hailing from Kovil Street in Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the Kattappana police under the guidance of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) Nishadmon.
Thambiraj, also known as Kamaraj, had developed a sophisticated method of swindling innocent ATM users. His criminal activities involved inserting paper into the card slots of ATM machines, deliberately blocking them to create confusion and inconvenience for the customers. Seizing the opportunity to exploit the situation, he would approach nearby customers, who were struggling to withdraw money, and offer them his assistance under the guise of being helpful.
Kamaraj’s trickery knew no bounds, as he manipulated the trusting customers into divulging their card details, including their PIN numbers. By persuading them that he could resolve their ATM issues, he skillfully obtained their cards and PINs. Little did these unsuspecting victims know that their trust was being exploited for malicious purposes.
One of Kamaraj’s victims was Sreejith S. Nair, a Kattappana resident. On a fateful day, Sreejith fell prey to the scam when he attempted to withdraw money from an ATM. However, despite visiting several ATMs in the area, he was unable to complete a successful transaction due to the paper obstruction in the card slots.
It was during this frustrating experience that Kamaraj approached Sreejith, pretending to offer genuine assistance. Sensing Sreejith’s desperation, Kamaraj ingeniously persuaded him to hand over his card so that he could attempt the withdrawal on his behalf. Kamaraj cleverly replaced Sreejith’s card with another, rendering it useless.
Unaware of the deceit, Sreejith followed Kamaraj’s instructions and entered his PIN number. Upon seeing an error message on the screen, Kamaraj promptly returned the card to Sreejith, pretending that his assistance was unsuccessful.
Only the next morning did Sreejith realize that he had been duped. A shocking message from his bank informed him that funds were being withdrawn from his account. Further investigation revealed that the ATM card he possessed was not his but belonged to someone else.
Distraught and feeling helpless, Sreejith approached the bank to report the fraudulent incident. Recognizing the seriousness of the crime, the authorities at the bank and the local police initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
With assistance from the Tamil Nadu Police, Inspector T.C. Murugan, S.I. Sajimon Joseph, V.K. Anish, and other dedicated officers at the Kattappana Police Station managed to track down and arrest the elusive Kamaraj. This collaborative effort across state borders demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement to bring criminals to justice.
Upon further scrutiny, it was discovered that Kamaraj had a history of similar fraudulent activities. Just a month before his recent arrest, he had been released from Chenne Jail, having committed similar crimes in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, swindling vast amounts of money in the process.
Astoundingly, Kamaraj was allegedly involved in at least 30 such cases across various states, with a staggering 27 cases already pending trial in Tamil Nadu alone. The sheer magnitude of his criminal activities made him a notorious and sought-after criminal.
During the investigation, Kamaraj confessed to his involvement in extorting money through similar tactics in other areas, including Peerumedu, Kumali, Pampanar, Vandiperiyar, and Elapara. His audacity and cunning had allowed him to execute his schemes in multiple locations, leaving a trail of victims in his wake.
The arrest of Kamaraj brought relief to many who had fallen victim to his manipulative tactics. It also served as a warning to criminals seeking to exploit innocent people for financial gain. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from different states highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination in tackling such organized criminal activities.
As this case unfolds further and reaches the courts, it is expected to serve as a stern deterrent to potential fraudsters, reminding them that the law will catch up with them eventually. The diligent efforts of the police and the swift action taken in apprehending Kamaraj demonstrate the commitment of the authorities to ensure the safety and security of the public.
