Shailen Chandi is widely recognized for promoting eco-friendly farming practices by avoiding chemical fertilizers and cultivating indigenous seeds through herbal and sustainable agricultural methods. For his contribution to environmentally responsible agriculture, he received a National Award from a Union Ministry in 2019. However, during the final phase of his life, the progressive farmer is now facing the consequences of alleged misuse of digital technology.
According to Shailen Chandi, his mobile phone went missing on March 29. He immediately submitted a written complaint at the Police Station. Since his bank accounts were connected to the SIM card linked with the lost phone, he applied for a replacement SIM without delay.
After receiving the new SIM card, Shailen Chandi was shocked to find SMS alerts showing that Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000 had been withdrawn through two separate transactions on March 31 from one of his accounts in a state-owned bank.
Suspecting cyber fraud, he filed separate complaints with Shantipur Police and the Cyber Crime Department on April 1. However, the alleged fraud continued. On April 2, another Rs 71,000 was reportedly transferred from his account in another state-owned bank through 12 separate transactions.
The case has raised further concerns as neither of the two bank accounts had online banking facilities activated, and Shailen Chandi did not possess an ATM card. Bank officials have reportedly been unable to explain how such significant amounts were withdrawn digitally without access to online banking or ATM services.
Following the incident, the elderly farmer submitted written complaints to the managers of both banks, their nodal officers, the Cyber Crime Department, and the main branch of the Reserve Bank of India.
Despite repeated reminder letters, no suspects have been identified even after more than three and a half months. Shailen Chandi has expressed disappointment over the response of the Police and the slow progress of the investigation.
Speaking about his ordeal, Shailen Chandi said, "Just as some people misuse science in agriculture by depending on hybrid varieties and chemicals for temporary benefits, cyber criminals are also misusing science for illegal gains. Then what is the purpose of advanced education, cyber crime departments, and government efforts if criminals continue to defeat the system? Will those who misuse technology to cheat ordinary people ultimately become the most powerful?"
Having lost his hard-earned savings during old age, the national award-winning progressive farmer is now facing financial difficulties. The alleged cyber fraud against Shailen Chandi highlights growing concerns over digital security and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in protecting their savings against increasingly sophisticated online crimes.
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