Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have brought an accused from Punjab to the city in an impersonation fraud case involving the alleged misuse of a political aide’s identity. Police said the accused, Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, is also linked to an alleged fraud network involving about ₹3 crore in cash and gold ornaments and 14 victims from different states.
Who Is the Accused?
Police identified the accused as Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, 45, son of Durga Dass. He is a resident of Nehru Colony, Tung Baba, Majitha Road, Amritsar, Punjab.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police brought Kumar from Central Prison, Patiala, on a Production Transit warrant. He was brought to Hyderabad on September 10, 2026, for execution of the warrant.
Punjab Police had earlier arrested Kumar in another case registered at Kotwali Police Station in Patiala.
How Did the Impersonation Case Begin?
The Hyderabad case began after a complaint was received on July 1, 2026. Jetti Kusuma Kumar, AICC Secretary, approached police over an alleged impersonation attempt.
The complaint alleged that an unknown person posed as Kanishka Singh and contacted the complainant.
Police said WhatsApp calls and messages were used in the alleged impersonation. The person allegedly offered political favours, positions and other benefits in exchange for money.
The complainant submitted call details and other evidence to police and sought action against the person allegedly misusing Kanishka Singh’s identity.
Police registered Crime No. 442/2026 under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act and Section 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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How Did Police Trace the Accused?
Investigators worked to identify and trace the person allegedly behind the misuse of the identity and reputation involved in the complaint.
Police said the complainant did not lose any money in the reported incident. The investigation, however, allegedly connected Kumar to a wider impersonation scheme.
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police subsequently brought him from Punjab to Hyderabad as part of the investigation.
What Is the Alleged ₹3 Crore Fraud Network?
Police described Kumar as a habitual offender who allegedly posed as a political aide associated with the Congress party.
Investigators alleged that he impersonated Kanishka Singh, described in the complaint as a political aide to Rahul Gandhi, and misused Singh’s name, identity and reputation for wrongful gain.
Police further alleged that Kumar contacted several candidates who had contested Assembly elections from different political parties. He allegedly approached them through WhatsApp while claiming to have political influence.
The accused allegedly promised political support, positions, favours and other benefits. In return, police said, he demanded money and gold from the victims.
According to police, the alleged fraud involved about ₹3 crore in cash and gold ornaments. Investigators said 14 victims from different states were affected by the alleged deception.
How Can Political Impersonation Fraud Work?
The case highlights how impersonation through messaging platforms can be used to gain a victim’s trust. Fraudsters may use the names and identities of public figures or people associated with them to make their claims appear credible.
In this case, WhatsApp calls and messages were allegedly used while political favours, positions and other benefits were offered in exchange for money.
A familiar or influential name should therefore not be treated as proof that the person making contact is genuine. Claims made through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms should be independently verified before any payment is made.
How Can People Protect Themselves?
Police have advised citizens to verify claims before making payments and to remain cautious about unknown WhatsApp numbers and social media profiles.
Anyone claiming to represent a political leader or political party should be independently verified. People who suspect fraud should preserve messages, screenshots, phone numbers and transaction details as evidence.
Anyone facing cybercrime can immediately call 1930. Complaints can also be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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