The Powai Police in Mumbai have taken legal action against a former employee of a media company, registering a First Information Report (FIR) for a serious case of cyber misconduct. The individual is accused of hacking into the company's official social media accounts and email to post highly objectionable content after being terminated from his position.
Sequence of a Digital Attack
The incident came to light on December 23, when officials at the Powai-based media firm discovered disturbing photos and text suddenly appearing on their official digital platforms. The offensive material was uploaded to the company's handles on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, as well as its official website and mobile application around 2:30 PM.
Company executives acted swiftly to take down the content. However, their troubles were far from over. Soon after, they started receiving alarmed calls from their clients. These clients reported that they were receiving emails containing objectionable material from the company's official email address.
The Internal Investigation and the Culprit
An immediate internal inquiry was launched by the company. Tracking the digital trail, they found that the compromised official email ID had been accessed from Nagpur. The investigation pointed directly towards a former employee.
The accused, a 35-year-old man, had been hired by the company in March 2025 as a Lead Generation Specialist focusing on business and partnerships. However, his performance was deemed unsatisfactory. After serving a notice period, his employment was terminated in September 2025. The company, which creates content and podcasts for various brands and government schemes and has a team of 18 staffers, had provided certain employees access to the official email for work purposes. This access was allegedly misused by the ex-employee after his exit.
Legal Repercussions and Security Measures
Upon identifying the source of the breach, the company's first step was to change the password for the compromised email account to prevent further damage. They then formally approached the Powai Police Station to lodge a complaint.
The police have registered an FIR against the former employee based on the company's complaint. The case highlights the critical need for robust digital offboarding procedures, especially for employees who have access to sensitive company credentials and social media accounts. It serves as a cautionary tale for businesses about the potential risks of disgruntled former staffers in the digital age.
