KOZHIKODE, ( Economy India ): In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a scammer allegedly tried to deceive Congress MLA K. Vidya Balakrishnan by promising her a ministerial post in exchange for Rs 3 crore. Kerala Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
According to the complaint, the Elathur MLA received a WhatsApp call at around 2 pm on July 6 from a person who identified himself as Raj Kumar. The caller claimed to be a staff member from the office of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in New Delhi.
During the conversation, the fraudster allegedly told the MLA that she could be appointed as a minister if she paid Rs 3 crore. The offer immediately raised suspicion, as no legitimate government appointment can be made through such a process.
Realising that it was likely an attempt to cheat her, Balakrishnan did not engage further with the caller and later filed a complaint with the Kozhikode Cyber Police. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and began an investigation to identify the caller and determine whether the accused is linked to a larger cyber fraud network.
Officials are examining the WhatsApp call details and other digital evidence to trace the origin of the communication. They are also trying to find out if similar calls have been made to other public representatives or government officials.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber criminals impersonating influential people and government offices to gain trust and extort money. Police have urged the public to remain cautious and verify the identity of anyone making suspicious claims or demanding money over phone calls or messaging apps.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to take further action once the accused is identified.
( Economy India )
