TDP MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav loses ₹1.07 cr in cyber scam

Cybercrime continues to target people regardless of their status, from common citizens to politicians. Recently, cybercriminals, who earlier duped a Jana Sena MP from Kakinada, have now targeted TDP MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav.

The incident came to light after the MLA lost ₹1.07 crore to fraudsters who posed as officials from Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Department. The scammers threatened him with arrest, citing alleged involvement in human trafficking and money laundering. They convinced him to transfer the money under the pretext of “provisional bail.”

How the scam happened MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav, representing Maidukuru constituency in Kadapa district, was at his residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, when he received a phone call on the morning of October 10. The caller, claiming to be Gaurav Shukla from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Department, told him that 17 complaints had been filed against him and that his Aadhaar and SIM card were being used to open fake bank accounts.

A few minutes later, another person named “Vikram” contacted him via WhatsApp video call, presenting himself as a cybercrime investigation officer. He showed a fake arrest warrant, a CBI account freeze order, and a photo of a supposed suspect named “Sadaqat Khan,” making the threat appear real.

Fearing arrest, the MLA transferred ₹1.07 crore to the accounts specified by the scammers between October 10 and 15. The fraudsters even demanded an additional ₹60 lakh, claiming it was required for a “court clearance certificate.”

Action taken After realizing the scam, Putta Sudhakar Yadav immediately contacted Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police, who registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act.

This case highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber scams, even targeting high-profile politicians, and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant.