Bengaluru Cyber Police Launch Investigation into Fraudulent KSIC Instagram Accounts
The Central Cybercrime Police in Bengaluru have initiated a formal investigation into the creation and operation of counterfeit Instagram pages that falsely represent the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). This development follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on January 20, 2026, based on an official complaint filed by Doddappa Sutagatti, who serves as a marketing assistant with KSIC.
Details of the Cyber Fraud Complaint and Police Action
According to police sources, the complaint highlights the existence of multiple Instagram accounts that are impersonating the official social media presence of Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation. These fraudulent pages are suspected of engaging in activities that could potentially mislead the public, damage the reputation of the legitimate organization, or even facilitate financial scams by exploiting the trusted brand name of KSIC.
The Central Cybercrime Police, operating under the Bengaluru City Police jurisdiction, have taken swift action by registering the FIR under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code. This legal step marks the beginning of a thorough probe aimed at identifying the individuals or groups behind these fake social media profiles.
Potential Risks and Broader Implications of Social Media Impersonation
This case underscores the growing threat of cyber impersonation targeting reputable organizations in India. Fake social media accounts can be used for various malicious purposes, including spreading misinformation, phishing attacks to steal sensitive data, or fraudulent schemes that trick consumers into making payments for non-existent products or services.
For KSIC, a prominent state-owned enterprise known for its silk products, such impersonation poses significant risks to brand integrity and customer trust. The marketing assistant's complaint suggests that these fake pages may be attempting to capitalize on the corporation's established market presence and loyal customer base.
Cybercrime experts note that social media platforms have become fertile ground for such fraudulent activities, with impersonation cases rising across corporate, celebrity, and institutional domains. The Bengaluru police investigation will likely involve digital forensics to trace the origins of these accounts, collaboration with Instagram's parent company Meta for account takedowns, and efforts to assess whether any financial fraud has already occurred.
Broader Context of Cybercrime in Bengaluru and Karnataka
Bengaluru, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley, has seen a notable increase in sophisticated cybercrime cases in recent years. The city's cyber police units have been actively working to combat various forms of online fraud, including phishing scams, financial cybercrimes, and social media-related offenses.
This investigation into fake KSIC Instagram pages represents another chapter in the ongoing battle against digital impersonation and identity theft. It highlights the importance of organizations maintaining vigilant monitoring of their online presence and promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The outcome of this probe could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly concerning the liability of social media platforms and the legal consequences for those creating fraudulent accounts impersonating legitimate businesses.
