Imposters Pose as Lokayukta Officials in Udupi, Attempt to Extort Municipal Officer
In a concerning incident in Udupi, unknown persons allegedly impersonated Lokayukta officials to threaten and attempt to cheat a municipal council officer. The fraudsters used WhatsApp calls to demand a settlement, warning of fabricated complaints and departmental action if their demands were not met.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The complainant, Kapil Dev S Godemane, a first division revenue inspector at the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) located in Moodanidamburu village, reported the incident. On January 19 at 2:02 PM, he received a WhatsApp call from an unknown individual claiming to be Cheluvaraj, a Lokayukta inspector from the Mangaluru division. The caller informed Godemane that a complaint had been filed against him via email and insisted that he "settle the issue" to avoid severe consequences.
Subsequently, another person called, posing as a senior officer, and reiterated the threat. He warned that failure to comply would result in a criminal case and departmental inquiry being registered against Godemane. The callers used intimidation tactics to pressure the officer into paying up, creating a sense of urgency and fear.
Verification and Police Action
Suspicious of the calls, Godemane took immediate action by visiting the Udupi Lokayukta office to verify the claims. Officials there confirmed that no persons by the names provided were employed in their office and that the calls did not originate from the Lokayukta office. This verification exposed the fraud, revealing that the individuals were imposters attempting to cheat through impersonation.
Based on Godemane's complaint, the Udupi Town police station registered a case under Sections 319(2) (cheating by personation) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police are now investigating the matter to identify and apprehend the culprits behind this scam.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
This incident highlights the growing trend of impersonation scams targeting government officials and public servants. Such frauds not only threaten individual victims but also undermine public trust in institutions like the Lokayukta, which are meant to combat corruption.
To prevent similar occurrences, authorities advise:
- Always verify calls claiming to be from official bodies by contacting the offices directly through known, legitimate channels.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to the police to help curb such fraudulent schemes.
- Stay informed about common scams and share awareness within communities to protect vulnerable individuals.
The case serves as a reminder for citizens and officials alike to remain vigilant against such deceptive practices, especially in an era where digital communication can be easily manipulated for malicious purposes.
