Andhra MLA Falls Prey to Rs 12 Lakh Online Scam
Synopsis
In another alarming case of online fraud, an Andhra MLA lost Rs 12 lakh after clicking on a deceptive link. This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime targeting public officials.
Key Takeaways
Online fraud is increasingly targeting public officials.
Victims may suffer significant financial losses.
Immediate reporting to police can help in investigations.
Education about cybersecurity is essential for lawmakers.
Cybercriminals use sophisticated methods to deceive victims.
Amaravati, March 22 (NationPress) A representative from the Andhra Pradesh Assembly has reportedly lost Rs 12 lakh due to an online scam, according to police sources.
The victim, Chirri Balaraju, the MLA for Polavaram, was deceived by cybercriminals.
Using a WhatsApp message, the perpetrators sent a link purporting to be related to a Road Transport Authority (RTA) challan.
After clicking on the link, a significant sum was taken from his bank account. Upon realizing he had been tricked, the MLA filed a complaint with law enforcement.
A case has been opened at the Jeelugumilli Police Station, and authorities are actively investigating to identify the fraudsters and recover the stolen funds.
This incident is not an isolated one; previous cases involving Andhra Pradesh MLAs have occurred.
In October of the previous year, another MLA from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) lost Rs 1.07 crore in a supposed digital arrest scheme.
In that case, Putta Sudhakar Yadav, the MLA from Mydukur in the YSR Kadapa district, was misled by fraudsters impersonating Mumbai cybercrime officials.
Residing in Hyderabad, Yadav reported the incident to the Hyderabad cybercrime unit after realizing he had been scammed.
The fraudsters threatened him with arrest in a fictitious case involving money laundering and human trafficking, compelling him to transfer funds under the guise of securing provisional bail.
They claimed that an FIR had been filed against him for money laundering, citing misuse of his Aadhaar and SIM card to open an unauthorized bank account.
A fraudster even participated in a WhatsApp video call, showing a fake arrest warrant and a court order to freeze his bank accounts. Under duress, Yadav transferred Rs 1.07 crore through nine transactions over a week to obtain provisional bail.
When the con artists demanded an additional Rs 60 lakh for a court clearance, the MLA recognized the scam and sought police assistance.
Point of View
Raising concerns about online security measures and the need for greater awareness among lawmakers.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the MLA lose Rs 12 lakh?
The MLA lost the money after clicking on a fraudulent link sent via WhatsApp, which led to unauthorized withdrawals from his bank account.
What steps are being taken to investigate the fraud?
A case has been registered at Jeelugumilli Police Station, and an investigation is underway to identify the culprits and recover the stolen funds.
Are there other similar incidents involving MLAs?
Yes, there have been previous incidents where MLAs in Andhra Pradesh have fallen victim to cyber scams, highlighting a growing trend in online fraud targeting public officials.
