The accused, Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, of Amritsar, was brought to Hyderabad on Thursday, September 10, for investigation into a case registered by the cybercrime police under the Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said a complaint was lodged on July 1 by AICC secretary Jetti Kusuma Kumar, who alleged that an unidentified person was posing as Kanishka Singh, a political aide to Rahul Gandhi. The accused allegedly used WhatsApp calls and messages to approach people, offering political favours, positions and other benefits in return for money.
According to the police, the accused had approached several candidates who had contested Assembly elections from different political parties. He allegedly promised political support and positions in exchange for cash and gold.
Police said their investigation indicated that the accused had collected around ₹3 crore in cash and gold ornaments from 14 victims across various States. No money was lost by the complainant in the Hyderabad case, they added.
The accused had earlier been arrested by Punjab police in a separate case and was lodged in Central Prison, Patiala. Hyderabad Cybercrime police subsequently obtained the production transit warrant and brought him to the city.
Police advised people to independently verify claims made by individuals posing as aides or representatives of political leaders or parties before making any payments.
