In a disturbing case of digital impersonation, Junagadh MLA Sanjay Koradiya has uncovered fake social media profiles operating under his name, with one traced back to Pakistan. This discovery comes shortly after the legislator received extortion threats, for which three suspects are already in police custody.
MLA Discovers Fake Profiles During Voter Meeting
The fraudulent accounts came to light during a routine meeting with constituents on Zanzarda Road. Koradiya's secretary, Harsh Goti, later filed a formal complaint at the Junagadh B Division police station. The complaint detailed that the fake Facebook and Instagram accounts were using the MLA's personal photographs and name without authorization.
According to the complaint, messages were being sent from these accounts in an apparent attempt to mislead the public, extract sensitive personal information, or commit financial fraud. Goti expressed serious concern that such impersonation could severely damage the public image and credibility of the elected representative.
Cyber Cell Investigation Traces Origins to Pakistan
Following the discovery, MLA Koradiya first approached the Junagadh Cyber Cell for assistance. The police initiated a preliminary inquiry and sought crucial technical details from Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of both Facebook and Instagram.
The data provided by Meta revealed a startling cross-border connection. The fake Facebook profiles were found to have originated from Pakistan. Meanwhile, logins for the counterfeit Instagram account were traced to two mobile numbers registered in India. Authorities confirmed that both accounts were active at the time of the investigation.
Ongoing Case and Legal Action
This incident is not isolated. Police noted that Koradiya had recently been targeted with threatening and extortion calls, leading to the arrest of three individuals in connection with that separate case. The discovery of the fake profiles adds a complex, international layer to the threats against the MLA.
Based on the complaint filed by his secretary, the Junagadh police have registered a formal offence. The case has been filed under the stringent BNS Section 336(3) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the individuals behind the Pakistani-origin account and the Indian mobile numbers linked to the Instagram profile.
This case highlights the growing threat of cyber impersonation targeting public figures in India. It underscores the sophisticated methods used by malicious actors, including cross-border operations, to tarnish reputations and exploit citizens' trust. The involvement of international tech giants like Meta in providing forensic data is now a critical component of modern cybercrime investigations in such high-profile cases.
