Published: 28 July 2024
Ravi Kant charged with identity theft for posing as Praful Patel
NT Bureau
Mumbai
A Mumbai resident was arrested by Maharashtra state cyber cell for allegedly impersonating Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel to send WhatsApp messages to the personal assistant of one of Qatar’s royal family members to seek their assistance in securing a business opportunity, The Times of India has reported.
The suspect, identified as Ravi Kant (35), has been charged with identity theft for posing as Patel and using his display picture on his WhatsApp account during the communication.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Vivek Agnihotri from Patel’s office on July 23.
A cyber cop from the state cyber cell said, “Kant’s interrogation revealed that his intention was not to extort money. He wanted to develop communication with the Qatar royal family with the intention to get some business opportunities. Also, he is in need of money for medical expenses for his ailing mother.”
Kant has been booked under Information Technology Act’s Section 66 (D) for identity theft.
Kant got access a website that offered contact details of high-profile businessmen and bureaucrats worldwide for a fee of Rs 500. He made the online payment and obtained the office contact information of the Qatar royal family member.
“Patel was made aware of the misuse of his photo when he received a message from the Qatar royal family’s personal assistant on July 20, alerting him about the suspicious message they had received,” the report says.
State cyber cell team, supervised by special inspector general Yashasvi Yadav and deputy inspector general Sanjay Shintre and inspector Abhijit Sonawane, tracked down the number used by Kant, which was his personal number displaying Patel’s photo.
