Thu Jan 08 18:37:29 UTC 2026: # Fake Social Media Accounts Used to Impersonate BJP MLA, Cheating Public

The Story:
On January 8, 2026, the South Division Cybercrime Police in Bengaluru registered an FIR against an unknown individual(s) for creating fake social media accounts impersonating C.K. Ramamurthy, the BJP MLA for Jayanagar. The complaint, filed by Mr. Ramamurthy, alleges that these fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram used his name and photographs without permission to solicit money, spread false information, and send abusive messages to the public.

The impersonator(s) reportedly sent “good morning” messages and made monetary requests, causing financial losses to victims and damaging Mr. Ramamurthy’s reputation and political standing. The police are investigating the case under Section 66D of the IT Act, which addresses cheating by personation using computer resources.

Key Points:
* The victim is C.K. Ramamurthy, BJP MLA for Jayanagar.
* Fake Facebook and Instagram accounts were created using his name and photographs without his consent.
* The fake accounts were used to solicit money under false pretenses and send misleading and abusive messages.
* The accused sent “good morning” messages to a woman, according to Mr. Ramamurthy.
* The case is being investigated under Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by personation using computer resources).

Critical Analysis:
Given the context of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin viewing technology as a tool for social uplift, the misuse of social media to impersonate a public figure presents a challenge to this vision. It highlights the darker side of technology, where advancements can be exploited for malicious purposes, undermining public trust. The arrest of an individual for sharing abuse material about children on social media, in addition to the current case, further emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns regarding online fraud and impersonation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Impersonation and online fraud remain a persistent threat in the digital age.
  • Public figures are increasingly targeted for identity theft and online scams.
  • Cybercrime police are actively investigating such cases under the IT Act.
  • The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance among social media users to avoid falling victim to scams.
  • There needs to be an increased effort on the part of social media companies to proactively identify and remove fake accounts.

Impact Analysis:

This incident has several potential long-term implications:

  • Increased Scrutiny of Social Media Platforms: The public and government may demand greater accountability from social media platforms in preventing impersonation and fraud.
  • Stricter Verification Processes: Social media companies may be compelled to implement stricter verification processes for accounts, especially those claiming to represent public figures.
  • Legislation and Regulation: The government may consider strengthening existing laws or enacting new regulations to combat online impersonation and fraud more effectively.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: This incident could lead to increased public awareness campaigns about the risks of online scams and how to identify fake accounts.
  • Erosion of Trust: Incidents like this can erode public trust in social media and online communication, potentially impacting civic engagement and political discourse.

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