In yet another shocking case that highlights the growing menace of online fraud, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav was duped of ₹1.07 crore by cybercriminals posing as Mumbai cybercrime officials. The fraudsters allegedly threatened to arrest him in a fabricated money laundering and human trafficking case, forcing him to transfer the money under the guise of securing “provisional bail.” The 61-year-old MLA from Mydukur, YSR Kadapa district, who now lives in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, approached the city’s cybercrime police after realising he had been tricked. A case has since been registered, and an investigation is underway. Sudhakar Yadav, notably, once served as the Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The Anatomy of a Digital Con
According to his complaint, the ordeal began early on October 10 when Yadav received a call from a man identifying himself as “Gaurav Shukla,” supposedly a Mumbai cybercrime officer. The caller claimed an FIR had been filed against him for money laundering, supported by 17 complaints alleging misuse of his Aadhaar and SIM card to open fraudulent bank accounts.
Within minutes, another man joined a WhatsApp video call, introducing himself as “Vikram,” an investigating officer. He even displayed a fake arrest warrant, a CBI account freeze order, and photos of a “trafficking accused” to make the threat look real. The MLA was told that ₹3 crore in “laundered funds” had been deposited into a bank account opened in his name, and unless he cooperated immediately, he would be arrested.
Terrified of public embarrassment, the legislator followed the scammers’ instructions. Between October 10 and 15, he transferred ₹1.07 crore in nine transactions to accounts shared by the fraudsters. The truth surfaced only when the criminals demanded another ₹60 lakh, claiming it was required for a “court clearance certificate.”
Police Investigation and Public Warning
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have booked a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, covering charges of cheating, impersonation, forgery, and organized cybercrime. Officials have once again urged citizens to remain alert and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. They stressed that no police or investigation agency ever demands money over calls or messages. Victims are advised to report such incidents immediately via the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in.
A Wake-Up Call for Everyone
When even politicians with access to resources and security fall prey to such scams, it’s a grim reminder of how vulnerable ordinary citizens are in the digital age. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting fear and authority to manipulate victims. This case serves as a powerful lesson: no one is immune to online fraud. Awareness, verification, and caution remain the only real safeguards against this fast-evolving digital threat.
