Former Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Amar Singh Chahal allegedly shot himself at his residence in Patiala on Monday.
Chahal remains in critical condition after reportedly losing ₹8.10 crore to a sophisticated cyber fraud network posing as international wealth management experts.
In a 12-page suicide note addressed to the Punjab Director General of Police, he detailed how he was lured into a fake investment scheme operated via WhatsApp and Telegram.
Patiala police have recovered the note and are investigating the digital money trail, which Chahal claims involves an organised syndicate using fake bank dashboards and high-pressure tactics.
Eight Crore Cyber Fraud
The tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the increasing complexity of “investment scams” that target even seasoned law enforcement veterans. Amar Singh Chahal, who was recently in the news as an accused in the 2015 Kotkapura firing case, fell victim to a group operating under the name “F-777 DBS Wealth Equity Research Group.”
The fraudsters falsely claimed ties to DBS Bank and its leadership to build credibility. By promising astronomical returns through OTC trades, IPO allotments, and “quantitative funds,” the syndicate manipulated Chahal into depositing vast sums.
The cyber fraud escalated when he was barred from withdrawing his supposed profits and pressured to pay additional “taxes” and “service fees,” leading to complete financial exhaustion.
A Multi-Crore Cyber Heist
In his detailed final note, Chahal described the emotional trauma and shame of being duped despite his years of experience in the police force. He explained that the criminals created realistic but entirely fake digital dashboards that showed his “investments” growing rapidly, which prompted him to reinvest even more capital.
Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma confirmed that the investigation is now focused on tracing the multiple bank accounts used by the syndicate.
Chahal has urged the authorities to hand the case over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a central agency, stating that the operation is too vast for local police alone to dismantle. His note apologised to his family and colleagues, clarifying that his decision was driven solely by the devastation of the fraud.
Growing Cyber Frauds
This high-profile case serves as a chilling reminder that no one is immune to the psychological and financial predatory tactics of modern cybercriminals. Legal and cybersecurity experts note that such scams often use “social engineering” to bypass the rational defences of victims, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
Chahal’s note revealed that every transaction he made was through legitimate bank transfers, yet the organised nature of the syndicate allowed them to launder the money instantly.
As the former IGP battles for his life in a private hospital, his case has triggered a nationwide conversation about the urgent need for stricter digital financial regulations and more robust international cooperation to track the global “money mules” who facilitate these multi-crore thefts.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we are deeply pained by the tragedy that has befallen Amar Singh Chahal and his family. This incident is a harrowing call to action for our society to shed the stigma associated with being a victim of fraud.
Cybercrime is an invisible predator that feeds on trust and leaves behind a trail of psychological devastation that can be as fatal as any physical weapon. We advocate for a culture where victims feel safe to report crimes early without fear of judgement or professional shame.
