The VVIP Illusion: Kurukshetra Congress Leader Swindled Of Lakhs By Fake Rahul Gandhi Secretary

Authorities in Thanesar have registered a case after a senior member of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee was allegedly cheated out of ₹10 lakh by a fraudster posing as the personal secretary of senior political leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Police officials said the case appears to be part of a growing trend of “VVIP impersonation scams,” where criminals exploit political identities to create urgency and extract money from victims.

Fake Identity Used to Create Political Urgency

According to investigators, the victim received an unsolicited WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be a senior aide in the political establishment. The caller allegedly introduced himself as a personal secretary to Rahul Gandhi and used the name to build immediate credibility.

The fraudster reportedly claimed that an important party training event was being organized in Chandigarh and required urgent financial assistance from trusted party members. The victim was told that high-level leaders would be attending, increasing the pressure to comply quickly.

Believing the request to be genuine, the victim and another associate reportedly contributed ₹10 lakh collectively and prepared to transfer the funds.

Cash Handed Over in Chandigarh Parking Lot

The scam escalated when the caller instructed the victims to meet a supposed courier at a hotel parking area in Chandigarh for a direct cash handover.

At the designated location, the victims met an individual who identified himself only as a delivery agent. After a brief verification call with the impersonator, the cash—₹10 lakh in total—was handed over.

Investigators noted that the fraudster maintained constant communication during the exchange to reinforce trust and prevent suspicion.

Fraud Uncovered After Follow-Up Payment Demand

The deception came to light when the impersonator allegedly demanded an additional ₹5 lakh shortly after the first transaction. When the victim refused to pay further, communication was abruptly cut off.

Subsequent verification with official party channels confirmed that no such training program or financial arrangement had been authorized, exposing the entire operation as a coordinated scam.

Police believe the photograph taken by the victim of the courier at the handover site may assist in identifying those involved.

Police Investigation and Digital Tracking Underway

Thanesar City Police, under the supervision of senior officials, have initiated a detailed investigation into the case. Cyber teams are tracking mobile numbers, WhatsApp accounts, and digital communication trails linked to the accused.

Authorities are also reviewing visual evidence from the scene to identify potential suspects and establish links to similar impersonation fraud cases reported in other regions.

Officials said the case reflects an increasing misuse of political identities for financial fraud through social media platforms.

Advisory Against Political Impersonation Scams

Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings to public representatives and citizens about rising impersonation scams involving fake political aides and urgent money requests.

Officials emphasized that legitimate political parties and senior leaders do not request funds through informal messaging platforms or arrange cash transactions in private locations such as parking lots or hotels.

Citizens are urged to verify any such requests through official party channels and report suspicious activity immediately to cybercrime authorities.