#electoral-fraud

NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari
NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari

Over 500 Indians Rescued from Fake Job Scam in Myanmar and Thailand
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed the successful repatriation of over 500 Indian nationals who had fallen victim to fake job offers in Myanmar and Thailand. According to the MEA, 266 Indians were repatriated on Tuesday by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, following the return of 283 Indians on Monday. These individuals were reportedly rescued from cybercrime scam centres operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The MEA, through its spokesperson Randhir Jai
Over 500 Indians Rescued from Fake Job Scam in Myanmar and Thailand
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed the successful repatriation of over 500 Indian nationals who had fallen victim to fake job offers in Myanmar and Thailand. According to the MEA, 266 Indians were repatriated on Tuesday by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, following the return of 283 Indians on Monday. These individuals were reportedly rescued from cybercrime scam centres operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The MEA, through its spokesperson Randhir Jai

Actor Vijay Opposes Delimitation Process, Calls for Fair Representation and Independent Institutions
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has expressed strong concerns over the proposed delimitation process, urging the government to ensure fair representation and conduct public consultations before finalizing any changes. In a detailed five-page statement, Vijay clarified that his party is not against delimitation but firmly believes that no state should lose its rightful representation in Parliament due to constituency redistribution.Vijay emphasized that simply increasing t
Actor Vijay Opposes Delimitation Process, Calls for Fair Representation and Independent Institutions
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has expressed strong concerns over the proposed delimitation process, urging the government to ensure fair representation and conduct public consultations before finalizing any changes. In a detailed five-page statement, Vijay clarified that his party is not against delimitation but firmly believes that no state should lose its rightful representation in Parliament due to constituency redistribution.Vijay emphasized that simply increasing t

Supreme Court Rules Gratuity Can Be Forfeited for Moral Turpitude Without Criminal Conviction
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st
Supreme Court Rules Gratuity Can Be Forfeited for Moral Turpitude Without Criminal Conviction
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, stating that an employee’s gratuity can be forfeited on the grounds of moral turpitude, even in the absence of a criminal conviction. This ruling expands the interpretation of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, allowing employers to withhold gratuity from employees dismissed for unethical or fraudulent actions.Previously, in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in the Union of India vs. Ajay Babu case, the court had st

Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Sentenced to Two Years in Jail for Fake Documents Case
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Nashik district and sessions court in a 1995 case involving the use of fraudulent documents to obtain government flats under a special housing scheme. In addition to the jail term, he has been fined Rs 50,000. His brother, Sunil Kokate, was also convicted in the same case.The verdict was delivered by Additional Chief Justice
Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Sentenced to Two Years in Jail for Fake Documents Case
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Nashik district and sessions court in a 1995 case involving the use of fraudulent documents to obtain government flats under a special housing scheme. In addition to the jail term, he has been fined Rs 50,000. His brother, Sunil Kokate, was also convicted in the same case.The verdict was delivered by Additional Chief Justice

Two Retired Officials Lose Rs. 2.87 Crore to Online Scams
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc
Two Retired Officials Lose Rs. 2.87 Crore to Online Scams
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc

Illegal Land Grab Attempt Targets Property Meant for Chandrababu Naidu in Bapatla
In a shocking revelation, an illegal land grab attempt targeting property originally meant for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu has come to light in Bapatla. This land, registered 25 years ago by a loyal TDP supporter, was designated for the construction of a party office in the Bapatla constituency. Over time, the value of the land surged, now estimated at ₹1.5 crore. However, when the landowner recently approached a bank for a loan using the property as collateral, he was
Illegal Land Grab Attempt Targets Property Meant for Chandrababu Naidu in Bapatla
In a shocking revelation, an illegal land grab attempt targeting property originally meant for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu has come to light in Bapatla. This land, registered 25 years ago by a loyal TDP supporter, was designated for the construction of a party office in the Bapatla constituency. Over time, the value of the land surged, now estimated at ₹1.5 crore. However, when the landowner recently approached a bank for a loan using the property as collateral, he was

One-Third of Indians Lose Money to Scams in Real-Time Payments, FICO Report Finds
A recent report by global analytics firm FICO has highlighted the increasing threat of scams in India's real-time payments (RTP) ecosystem. According to the survey, over one-third (34%) of respondents have lost money to scams, paying for goods, services, or investments that were never delivered. The report further reveals that 60% of respondents have received messages from scammers, and 54% reported that friends or family members have been scammed. Despite fewer people reporting
One-Third of Indians Lose Money to Scams in Real-Time Payments, FICO Report Finds
A recent report by global analytics firm FICO has highlighted the increasing threat of scams in India's real-time payments (RTP) ecosystem. According to the survey, over one-third (34%) of respondents have lost money to scams, paying for goods, services, or investments that were never delivered. The report further reveals that 60% of respondents have received messages from scammers, and 54% reported that friends or family members have been scammed. Despite fewer people reporting

Woman Defrauded of £92,300 by 20-Year Friend in Catfish Scam
A British woman in Birmingham was left contemplating suicide after being deceived by a close friend of twenty years, Sumaiya Khurram, who catfished her online and drained her life savings of £92,300 (Rs 98.5 lakh). Khurram, 33, posed as a "pretty boy" on WhatsApp, claiming to be in love with the victim and asked for money to pay for cancer treatment at a private clinic. The fraud occurred between 2015 and 2017 when Khurram introduced the victim to someone named Etesh
Woman Defrauded of £92,300 by 20-Year Friend in Catfish Scam
A British woman in Birmingham was left contemplating suicide after being deceived by a close friend of twenty years, Sumaiya Khurram, who catfished her online and drained her life savings of £92,300 (Rs 98.5 lakh). Khurram, 33, posed as a "pretty boy" on WhatsApp, claiming to be in love with the victim and asked for money to pay for cancer treatment at a private clinic. The fraud occurred between 2015 and 2017 when Khurram introduced the victim to someone named Etesh

Court Halts Arrest of Robin Uthappa in Provident Fund Case
In a recent legal development, the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, intervened in the case involving cricketer Robin Uthappa. Uthappa, who is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., approached the court to challenge the recovery notices and arrest warrant issued against him. The case revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement, where U
Court Halts Arrest of Robin Uthappa in Provident Fund Case
In a recent legal development, the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, intervened in the case involving cricketer Robin Uthappa. Uthappa, who is the director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., approached the court to challenge the recovery notices and arrest warrant issued against him. The case revolves around allegations of financial mismanagement, where U

Bengaluru Engineer Loses Rs 11.8 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam
A Bengaluru software engineer was defrauded of Rs 11.8 crore over the span of just 18 days in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. The victim, a 39-year-old tech professional, filed a complaint with the North-East CEN police station on December 12 after realizing he had been tricked. The scam began when an individual posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer contacted the victim, falsely claiming his Aadhaar-linked SIM card was involved in illegal acti
Bengaluru Engineer Loses Rs 11.8 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam
A Bengaluru software engineer was defrauded of Rs 11.8 crore over the span of just 18 days in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. The victim, a 39-year-old tech professional, filed a complaint with the North-East CEN police station on December 12 after realizing he had been tricked. The scam began when an individual posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer contacted the victim, falsely claiming his Aadhaar-linked SIM card was involved in illegal acti

Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.
Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.

Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party Faces Big Defeat in Bihar Bypolls
Prashant Kishor, the acclaimed political strategist known for his success in shaping electoral victories across India, faced a massive defeat in his home state of Bihar with the debut of his newly formed party, Jan Suraaj. Despite years of experience helping political parties succeed, Kishor’s party made no significant impact in the four constituencies it contested during the recent bypolls in Bihar. Kishor fielded candidates in Ramgarh, Tarari, Belaganj, and Imamganj, but all
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party Faces Big Defeat in Bihar Bypolls
Prashant Kishor, the acclaimed political strategist known for his success in shaping electoral victories across India, faced a massive defeat in his home state of Bihar with the debut of his newly formed party, Jan Suraaj. Despite years of experience helping political parties succeed, Kishor’s party made no significant impact in the four constituencies it contested during the recent bypolls in Bihar. Kishor fielded candidates in Ramgarh, Tarari, Belaganj, and Imamganj, but all

Chinese National Arrested in Delhi for ₹100 Crore Cyber Fraud
In a significant breakthrough in a ₹100 crore cyber fraud case, Delhi police have arrested a Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating fraudulent online stock trading scams. The fraud was carried out through WhatsApp groups, where the accused lured victims into fake stock market training sessions and convinced them to invest large sums of money, only for the funds to be diverted to multiple bank accounts under his control. The case came to light a
Chinese National Arrested in Delhi for ₹100 Crore Cyber Fraud
In a significant breakthrough in a ₹100 crore cyber fraud case, Delhi police have arrested a Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating fraudulent online stock trading scams. The fraud was carried out through WhatsApp groups, where the accused lured victims into fake stock market training sessions and convinced them to invest large sums of money, only for the funds to be diverted to multiple bank accounts under his control. The case came to light a

Reliance Power Barred from SECI Tenders for Three Years Over Fake Bank Guarantees
Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has debarred Reliance Power Ltd. and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS Ltd. (formerly Maharashtra Energy Generation Ltd.) from bidding in any future SECI tenders for the next three years. This decision comes after SECI discovered that the company had submitted fake bank guarantees during the bidding process for a 1 gigawatt solar power and 2 gigawatt battery energy storage system project. The Incident: Fake Bank Guarantees in SECI Tender
Reliance Power Barred from SECI Tenders for Three Years Over Fake Bank Guarantees
Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has debarred Reliance Power Ltd. and its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS Ltd. (formerly Maharashtra Energy Generation Ltd.) from bidding in any future SECI tenders for the next three years. This decision comes after SECI discovered that the company had submitted fake bank guarantees during the bidding process for a 1 gigawatt solar power and 2 gigawatt battery energy storage system project. The Incident: Fake Bank Guarantees in SECI Tender

New York Times' 'Needle' Predicts Donald Trump Victory in Election Projection
The famous election prognosticator, New York Times’s 'Needle', was projecting an 84 per cent chance of a Donald Trump victory with about 295 electoral college votes based on its data at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday (9 a.m. Wednesday in India). The 'Needle' swings as the data that comes in is analyzed in real-time and makes the projection it considers valid at that time. A little before 10 p.m., it showed Trump at nearly 290 seats before swinging down five to 285 at 10 p.m. and ris
New York Times' 'Needle' Predicts Donald Trump Victory in Election Projection
The famous election prognosticator, New York Times’s 'Needle', was projecting an 84 per cent chance of a Donald Trump victory with about 295 electoral college votes based on its data at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday (9 a.m. Wednesday in India). The 'Needle' swings as the data that comes in is analyzed in real-time and makes the projection it considers valid at that time. A little before 10 p.m., it showed Trump at nearly 290 seats before swinging down five to 285 at 10 p.m. and ris

YCP's Social Media Gaffe: Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy's Release from Jail Sparks Controversy
The recent release of Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy from Nellore Central jail has stirred controversy, primarily due to a social media blunder by the YCP. Pinnelli, who lost his Macherla seat this election, was previously jailed for destroying EVMs and assaulting TDP agents. Following the release, YCP's Twitter handle posted a video with the caption: “Former MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy has came out of detention in illegal cases.” This caption, which described Pinnell
YCP's Social Media Gaffe: Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy's Release from Jail Sparks Controversy
The recent release of Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy from Nellore Central jail has stirred controversy, primarily due to a social media blunder by the YCP. Pinnelli, who lost his Macherla seat this election, was previously jailed for destroying EVMs and assaulting TDP agents. Following the release, YCP's Twitter handle posted a video with the caption: “Former MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy has came out of detention in illegal cases.” This caption, which described Pinnell

Jogi Ramesh Faces Legal Heat: Summoned for Attack on Naidu House Amid ACB Investigation
Former YCP minister Jogi Ramesh has encountered significant legal troubles following a police summons related to an attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s residence. This development comes as Jogi Ramesh faces questions about his involvement in the attack, including who accompanied him and the identities of those who orchestrated it. The police are keen to establish the extent of Ramesh’s involvement and his role in the attack. In addition to the police summons,
Jogi Ramesh Faces Legal Heat: Summoned for Attack on Naidu House Amid ACB Investigation
Former YCP minister Jogi Ramesh has encountered significant legal troubles following a police summons related to an attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s residence. This development comes as Jogi Ramesh faces questions about his involvement in the attack, including who accompanied him and the identities of those who orchestrated it. The police are keen to establish the extent of Ramesh’s involvement and his role in the attack. In addition to the police summons,

Electoral Bonds: How much did TDP, YSRC, BRS, JSP Make?
As per the strict order from the Supreme Court of India, SBI has submitted the fiscal details pertaining to electoral bonds, which served as anonymous deposits to political parties in India. The data was furnished by the Election Commission today and here is a look into the same. The biggest benefactor of the electoral bonds scheme is the ruling party in the center, BJP which made over Rs 11,000 crores through this anonymous donation program. Down below is the list o
Electoral Bonds: How much did TDP, YSRC, BRS, JSP Make?
As per the strict order from the Supreme Court of India, SBI has submitted the fiscal details pertaining to electoral bonds, which served as anonymous deposits to political parties in India. The data was furnished by the Election Commission today and here is a look into the same. The biggest benefactor of the electoral bonds scheme is the ruling party in the center, BJP which made over Rs 11,000 crores through this anonymous donation program. Down below is the list o