In a recent incident involving a scam that targeted Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, the Supreme Court’s security department has registered a first information report (FIR) with the cyber crime department. The action follows the viral spread of a fraudulent message purportedly from CJI Chandrachud, which sparked concern and prompted immediate legal action.
Details of the Impersonation Scam
The scam came to light after a screenshot of a social media message was widely circulated on Sunday. The message, sent by an account impersonating CJI DY Chandrachud, requested ₹500 from an X user identified as Kailash Meghwal. The fraudster claimed that the money was needed for a cab to attend a Collegium meeting, and promised to return the funds once they reached the Supreme Court. The message falsely depicted the CJI as being stranded at Connaught Place in Delhi.
The scammer’s message read: “Hello, I am CJI and we have urgent meeting of the collegium and I am stuck at Cannaught Place can you send me 500rs for cab?” To add a layer of authenticity, the fraudster included “sent from iPad” at the end of the message.
Previous Cases of Impersonation
This incident follows a similar case from March, where a 42-year-old man named Ayub Khan was arrested for impersonating a Delhi Police crime branch inspector. Khan defrauded two individuals of ₹4 lakh by promising them luxury cars and expensive cellphones auctioned through Delhi courts at discounted prices. Khan’s arrest followed an investigation by the Subzi Mandi police station, which also led to the recovery of a forged Delhi police identity card.
Khan, who had been involved in four previous cheating cases, used the proceeds from his scams to lead a lavish lifestyle, including frequenting nightclubs in Delhi and Mumbai. His arrest highlighted ongoing concerns about impersonation and fraud within the region.
Supreme Court’s Response
In response to the recent scam, the Supreme Court’s security team acted swiftly. The FIR lodged with the cyber crime department aims to track down the perpetrator and prevent further misuse of the CJI’s identity. The Supreme Court is taking these steps seriously to protect the integrity of its officials and ensure that such fraudulent activities are addressed promptly.
Conclusion
The impersonation scam involving CJI DY Chandrachud underscores the growing concern of identity theft and fraud in the digital age. As the Supreme Court pursues legal action against the fraudster, the case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against such deceptive practices.