Police launch probe as fraudsters 'impersonate' Union minister

July 10, 2023 22:42

An officer from the Union ministry of state for ports, shipping and waterways has got an FIR lodged with the Delhi police, alleging that fraudsters have been making WhatsApp calls and messages to the ministry's office-bearers, impersonating minister Shantanu Thakur.

Anurag Bhabhra, the assistant private secretary to the minister, said the fraudsters have been using Thakur's display picture on WhatsApp and introducing themselves as the minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways.

"The office-bearers and workers of the ministry have informed us that for the past few months, they have been receiving fraud WhatsApp calls and messages from unknown numbers. The callers present themselves as the minster. These are ISD numbers and it looks like they are calling from abroad," Bhabhra said in his complaint to the deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi.

Bhabhra has requested the Delhi police to take quick action in the matter so that such fraudulent activities can be stopped as it is also denting the minister's image.

A police officer who is aware of the developments said, "We have received a complaint that has been converted into an FIR. Bhabhra has attached a copy of a WhatsApp message sent by a cyber criminal to an officer posted at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. The minister's photo is on the DP and it is an international number with +60 as the country code. We are investigating the case." -- PTI

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