Former Haryana DGP Targeted in Sophisticated WhatsApp Hacking Scam
In a disturbing incident of cyber fraud, scammers successfully hacked the WhatsApp account of a former director general of police (DGP) from Haryana, exploiting his identity to extract money from individuals in his contact list. The case, which highlights growing digital vulnerabilities, unfolded in Panchkula and has led to police action.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Deceptive Call and OTP Theft
According to the official complaint, the cyber attack occurred on March 9. Former DGP Kanwar Nirmal Singh received a call from an unknown number, where the caller falsely informed him that a parcel had arrived. The fraudster then instructed Singh to dial a specific code to receive the delivery. In doing so, the scammers captured a one-time password (OTP), which they used to gain unauthorised access to his WhatsApp account by logging into it on another device.
Impersonation and Financial Fraud
After seizing control of the account, the accused sent messages to multiple contacts, posing as the former DGP. They cited an emergency situation to urgently request financial assistance. Believing the plea to be genuine, one of the contacts, Gulshan Kumar—a police employee who had previously served as Singh's gunman—transferred Rs 40,000 to a bank account provided by the scammers.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following the complaint, a case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Panchkula under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A special investigation team was formed under the supervision of Cyber SHO Yudhveer Singh, with SI Saurabh Singh appointed as the investigating officer. Technical analysis during the probe revealed that the defrauded amount had been credited to a bank account belonging to Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Nalanda district in Bihar.
Acting on this lead, a police team conducted a raid and arrested Kumar on March 29, successfully recovering the defrauded Rs 40,000 from him. The accused was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police officials stated that efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the prime accused who allegedly orchestrated the fraud.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This case underscores the increasing sophistication of cyber crimes targeting high-profile individuals and the importance of vigilance in digital communications. Authorities urge the public to verify unusual requests, even from known contacts, and to avoid sharing OTPs or personal codes with unknown callers.
