Did Cyber Criminals Target Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a concerning turn of events, Sudha Murthy, Rajya Sabha MP and renowned author, has fallen victim to a cyber scam. A fraudulent call from an alleged telecom official aimed to extract her personal details. This incident highlights the increasing prevalence of cybercrime targeting public figures and the urgent need for awareness and protective measures.
Key Takeaways
- Sudha Murthy has reported a cyber fraud attempt.
- The impersonator claimed to be from the Department of Telecom.
- Legal action is being pursued under the Information Technology Act.
- Immediate reporting is crucial for minimizing losses.
- Public awareness about cyber fraud is essential.
Bengaluru, Sep 22 (NationPress) Sudha Murthy, a prominent Rajya Sabha MP and acclaimed author hailing from Karnataka, has reported a cybercrime incident to the Bengaluru Police. This incident involved a deceitful individual who purported to be an official from the Department of Telecom within the central government, attempting to gather her personal information. Sudha Murthy is notably the spouse of the former Chairman and Founder of Infosys.
The alarming episode surfaced on Monday, following the registration of an FIR by the Cyber Crime police against an unidentified suspect on September 20. The legal proceedings are grounded in Sections 66(C), 66(D), and 84(C) of the Information Technology Act. The complaint was filed by Ganapathy, acting on behalf of Murthy, and the issue was also reported to the National Cyber Reporting Portal (NCRP) on September 5.
According to the FIR, on September 5 at approximately 9:40 A.M., Sudha Murthy received a call from someone claiming to be a Central government telecom department employee. This impersonator alleged that her mobile number was registered without an Aadhaar linkage and sought to collect her personal information.
Additionally, the caller warned her that inappropriate messages were being sent from her number, threatening to block it by noon. The FIR reveals that the accused acted inappropriately, and the Truecaller app identified the number as “Telecom Department.” The complaint asserts that the individual misled Murthy while posing as a telecom official and demanded legal action against him.
Authorities are currently conducting an extensive investigation.
In a related incident reported on Monday, the spouse of former minister and current BJP MP from Chikkaballapur, K. Sudhakar, was a victim of cyber fraud, losing ₹14 lakh. Fortunately, the Cyber Crime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) police responded promptly, freezing the funds in the receiving bank and ensuring the victim's recovery of the amount, as per an official statement from the West Division CEN police station.
The police's statement revealed that they traced the fraudulent transaction and successfully refunded the ₹14 lakh to the victim, Preethi Sudhakar, within a week.
Providing details of that case, the police noted that on August 26, Preethi, a 44-year-old Bengaluru resident, received a WhatsApp call from fraudsters masquerading as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime unit, claiming illegal funds had been transferred into her account.
DCP (West) S. Girish urged the public to act swiftly in the face of cyber fraud, advising victims to immediately contact the national cyber helpline (1930) and file a complaint at their local police station to facilitate prompt action and minimize financial losses.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that cybercrime remains a pressing issue affecting individuals across all sectors, including public figures. The swift response of law enforcement in these cases is essential to protect citizens and deter such malicious activities. NationPress stands firmly with victims of cyber fraud and advocates for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat these threats.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murthy lodged a complaint with Bengaluru Police after a cyber crook impersonated a telecom department official to extract her personal information.
What action has been taken against the cyber criminal?
The Cyber Crime police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation under the Information Technology Act.
How can victims of cyber fraud report incidents?
Victims are urged to contact the national cyber helpline at 1930 and file a complaint at their local police station.
What is the significance of this case?
This incident highlights the vulnerability of even well-known individuals to cyber threats and the need for heightened awareness.
What should individuals do to protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Stay informed about common scams, verify the identity of callers, and report suspicious activities immediately.
