A senior Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official stationed at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has become the latest victim of identity theft on social media, prompting serious concerns about digital security and potential fraud.
Official Files Formal Complaint Against Impersonator
The 58-year-old CISF officer lodged a formal complaint with the RGIA police on November 8 after discovering that an unknown individual had created a fake Facebook profile using his photographs and personal information without authorization. The unauthorized use of his identity raised immediate concerns that the impersonator could exploit the fabricated profile for fraudulent activities.
In his written complaint, the distressed officer emphasized the serious implications of such identity misuse. "Such misuse damages my reputation and violates privacy," the officer stated, while demanding immediate removal of the fraudulent page and legal action against the perpetrator.
Police Register Case Under Multiple Legal Provisions
Based on the officer's detailed complaint, the RGI airport police have registered a formal case under sections 318(4) for cheating and 319(2) for cheating by personation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Additionally, the case includes charges under sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, which specifically address identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.
Investigators have already initiated the process of gathering digital evidence by writing to Facebook authorities. "We have written to Facebook seeking the IP addresses and login credentials linked to the impostor's profile," confirmed a RGI airport police official involved in the investigation.
Digital Investigation Underway to Trace Culprit
The cyber crime investigation team is leveraging digital forensics to track down the individual responsible for creating the fake profile. The complainant has provided police with all relevant details about the impostor's account, giving investigators crucial starting points for their digital manhunt.
"We will trace the culprit and initiate appropriate legal action," assured the police official, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of identity theft targeting a senior security official.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of online identity theft and the importance of digital vigilance, particularly for individuals in sensitive positions. The case also demonstrates the legal framework available to victims of such cyber crimes in India, with specific provisions under both traditional penal codes and modern information technology legislation.
