BRS MLA Falls Victim to ₹1 Lakh Scam Posing as Viksit Bharat Scheme
In a shocking incident, Jangaon MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was allegedly duped of ₹1 lakh by a fraudster impersonating a secretariat official. The case has been registered by Jubilee Hills police following a formal complaint, highlighting vulnerabilities even among public figures.
Details of the Fraudulent Call
According to police reports, the MLA received a phone call on April 5 from an individual claiming to be an official from the finance department. The caller informed him that under the central government's Viksit Bharat scheme, 40 eligible persons in each constituency would receive ₹10 lakh each as financial assistance. To avail this benefit, a nominal fee of ₹2,500 per beneficiary was required, purportedly for processing purposes.
The fraudster emphasized that it was the last day to apply, creating a sense of urgency that led the MLA to transfer ₹1 lakh via UPI. Simultaneously, the MLA instructed his staff to compile a list of potential beneficiaries from his constituency, believing the offer to be legitimate.
Suspicion and Investigation
Suspicion arose when subsequent attempts to contact the caller failed, prompting the MLA to verify the claims with the additional secretary of the finance department. Upon confirmation that no such scheme or official request existed, he realized he had been cheated. The MLA's office promptly approached Jubilee Hills police, who have registered a criminal case under sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (fraudulent acts related to property) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
This incident underscores the growing sophistication of financial scams targeting individuals, including elected representatives. Authorities are investigating the matter to trace the fraudster and prevent similar occurrences. The public is advised to exercise caution and verify official communications directly with government departments to avoid falling prey to such deceptive tactics.
