AIMIM Leader Waris Pathan Claims Hacking and Ransom Threats
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, April 19 (NationPress) Waris Pathan, a prominent leader of AIMIM and a former MLA in Maharashtra, has reported that his social media account was compromised. He has claimed that he received threats regarding the distribution of altered private images unless he surrendered Rs 5 lakh, according to statements made by officials on Sunday.
The Worli Police have confirmed that a formal case has been initiated, and an investigation is currently in progress.
Officials noted that Pathan, who also serves as a national spokesperson for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, received a ransom demand along with threats indicating that digitally modified photographs of him and his family would be made public.
The perpetrators, whose identities remain unknown, purportedly contacted Pathan through three distinct international phone numbers. During these communications, they issued threats and persistently demanded the ransom payment, as reported by officials.
Following Pathan's complaint, the Worli Police Station has commenced an extensive investigation. Initial findings suggest that the source of the threats might be associated with Cambodia, although further verification is still in progress.
The timeline of events began on April 16, when Pathan's social media account was first infiltrated. After the alleged hacking, the criminals accessed images from the account and threatened to digitally alter them before releasing them online.
During this timeframe, Pathan reportedly received numerous threatening calls from three separate numbers, each warning him that the images would be disclosed if he did not comply with the Rs 5 lakh ransom demand.
After receiving these threats, Pathan filed a formal complaint at the Worli Police Station in Mumbai, outlining the sequence of events and the nature of the threats he faced.
Based on this complaint, police have filed a case against unidentified individuals under Sections 308(2), 308(3), and 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS).
Authorities indicate that the investigation is ongoing, focusing on identifying the perpetrators and confirming the international connections suggested by early findings.
Further updates regarding the case are anticipated.