Cyber Fraud Targets Jana Sena MLA; ₹12 Lakh Missing from Account

Cybercrime continues to pose a serious threat in the state, increasingly targeting not just ordinary citizens but also public representatives. In a recent incident, cybercriminals exploited a fake RTA challan payment link , ensnaring Polavaram Jana Sena MLA C. Balaraju . Hackers accessed his mobile phone and transferred ₹12 lakh from his bank account within minutes.

According to police sources, on March 6 , MLA Balaraju received a message on his mobile purportedly from the Road Transport Authority (RTA) , stating that a pending vehicle challan needed immediate payment and providing a link. Believing the message to be genuine, the MLA clicked the link. This triggered the download of a malicious APK (Android Package Kit) file on his phone. Using this software, the hackers gained complete control over his device , enabling them to access his bank details and OTPs, and illegally transfer ₹12 lakh within minutes.

Upon noticing the large debit from his account, the MLA promptly raised an alert. He first contacted the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) , and later, on March 21 , filed a complaint at the local police station. Authorities registered a case and launched an investigation. Examination of bank statements revealed that the stolen funds were withdrawn via an ATM in West Bengal . Police suspect the involvement of an interstate gang and have initiated search operations to track the culprits.

The police have registered the case under Section 318(4) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act , advising the public to remain vigilant. Officials warned against clicking on unfamiliar links related to RTA challans, electricity bills, or KYC updates , stressing that apps downloaded through such links can steal personal information and cause significant financial losses.