Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
A sensational case of online fraud has emerged from Dehradun, where cyber criminals are allegedly demanding money using the name of Uttarakhand’s senior IAS officer, Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram. The incident has sent shocked the state bureaucracy, raising concerns over the misuse of top officials’ identities.
Principal Secretary Dr R Meenakshi Sundaram’s letter to SSP, Dehradun
The matter came to light when Director General of Information, Banshidhar Tiwari, noticed suspicious activity on WhatsApp. An unknown number using Dr. Sundaram’s name was messaging bureaucrats and officers, seeking financial favours. Sensing fraud, Tiwari immediately alerted the concerned authorities, taking swift action to prevent any potential victims from falling prey to the scam.
Sources indicate that the imposters attempted to establish credibility using a fake profile image and tone mimicking official communication. The prompt alert by DG Tiwari has potentially saved many officers from being duped.
Senior officials have advised all department heads and civil servants to remain vigilant against such cyber crimes and avoid responding to unsolicited messages requesting money or sensitive information.
A formal complaint is expected to be filed soon, and cyber crime police have begun investigating the matter. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity awareness and safeguards within government departments.