How Did a Bihar Man Hack the Phones of Kannada Star Upendra and His Wife?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, a man from Bihar has been arrested for hacking the phones of Kannada actor Upendra and his wife Priyanka, leading to a substantial financial loss. This case sheds light on the rampant cybercrime issues affecting even celebrities. Discover how this breach occurred and its implications for cybersecurity.
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime affects everyone: Even celebrities are vulnerable to online scams.
- Awareness is crucial: Being cautious with links can prevent hacking incidents.
- Police action is swift: Law enforcement is responding promptly to cybercrime reports.
- Community involvement is essential: Victims should report incidents to help authorities tackle these crimes.
- Government initiatives: New cybercrime police stations are being established to combat the issue.
Bengaluru, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police apprehended a man from Bihar on Wednesday for allegedly compromising the mobile phones of renowned Kannada actor Upendra and his actress spouse Priyanka Upendra, resulting in the theft of several lakhs of rupees through a cyber scam.
The suspect has been identified as Vikas Kumar, a resident of Dashrathpur in Bihar, after an inquiry was initiated at the Sadashivanagar Police Station in Bengaluru.
Authorities reported that the couple's phones were infiltrated on September 15 when Priyanka clicked on a malicious link linked to an online transaction.
“The suspect subsequently hacked Priyanka’s phone and sent deceptive messages to her contacts, falsely asserting she required Rs 55,000 urgently and soliciting the transfer of funds,” stated an officer involved in the investigation.
After receiving the message, Upendra and his manager attempted to call the number, only to find that their phones had also been infiltrated. Many of their acquaintances, believing the messages to be legitimate, sent money to the accounts specified by the suspect.
Additionally, Upendra’s son transferred Rs 50,000 to his mother’s number upon receiving the fraudulent message. When others tried to call Priyanka, their calls were consistently disconnected, according to police reports.
Upon discovering that her phone had been compromised, Priyanka lodged a complaint with the Sadashivanagar Police. The police acted swiftly, tracing the suspect to Dashrathpur in Bihar and apprehending him.
Initial investigations revealed alarming insights -- apart from Vikas Kumar, over a hundred young individuals aged between 20 and 25 are reportedly engaged in similar cybercrimes, preying on unsuspecting victims.
It is noteworthy that Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara reported that in the initial seven months of 2025, approximately 8,620 cybercrime cases were recorded in the state, with Bengaluru being the epicenter, accounting for 6,301 cases, followed by Bengaluru Rural with 258 cases.
From over 53,000 cybercrimes reported since April 2023, only 70 offenders have faced conviction in the past 28 months. The state averages around 22,000 cases annually, according to him.
To combat this growing issue, the government has established 43 new cybercrime police stations throughout Karnataka.
Point of View
It's vital to emphasize the growing threat of cybercrime that impacts individuals across all walks of life, including public figures. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness to protect against such malicious activities.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested for hacking the phones of Upendra?
A man named Vikas Kumar from Dashrathpur, Bihar was arrested for hacking the phones of Kannada star Upendra and his wife.
How much money was siphoned off in the fraud?
The hacker managed to siphon off several lakhs of rupees through fraudulent activities.
What measures are being taken against cybercrime in Karnataka?
The Karnataka government has set up 43 new cybercrime police stations to help tackle the growing issue of cybercrime.
How did the hacking occur?
The hacking occurred when Priyanka clicked on a malicious link related to an online purchase.
What was the response from the police after the complaint?
After Priyanka filed a complaint, the police quickly traced and arrested the suspect in Bihar.
