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 say the accused, Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, is also linked to a wider alleged fraud network involving around ₹3 crore in cash and gold ornaments, with 14 victims across different states.
Who the Accused Is
Police identified the accused as Gaurav Kumar alias Gora, 45, son of Durga Dass, 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, arriving in Hyderabad on September 10, 2026, for execution of that warrant. Punjab Police had earlier arrested Kumar separately in another case registered at Kotwali Police Station in Patiala.
How the Hyderabad Case Began
The case originated from a complaint filed on July 1, 2026 by Jetti Kusuma Kumar, AICC Secretary, alleging an impersonation attempt. According to the complaint, an unknown person posed as Kanishka Singh and contacted the complainant, using WhatsApp calls and messages to allegedly offer political favours, positions, and other benefits in exchange for money.
The complainant submitted call details and other supporting evidence, seeking action against whoever was 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.
How Police Traced the Accused
Investigators worked to identify the person allegedly behind the misuse of identity and reputation described in the complaint. Notably, police say the original complainant himself didn't lose any money, but the investigation reportedly connected Kumar to a much wider impersonation scheme, prompting Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police to bring him from Punjab to Hyderabad as part of the broader probe.
The Alleged ₹3 Crore Network
Police described Kumar as a habitual offender who allegedly posed as a political aide associated with the Congress party. Investigators allege he impersonated Kanishka Singh, described in the complaint as a political aide to Rahul Gandhi, misusing Singh's name, identity, and reputation for personal gain. It's worth being clear here: this concerns Kumar's alleged impersonation of an aide, not any allegation involving Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party itself.
Police further allege Kumar contacted several candidates who had contested Assembly elections across different political parties, approaching them via WhatsApp while claiming political influence. He allegedly promised political support, positions, and favours in return for money and gold from victims. According to police, the total alleged fraud involved around ₹3 crore in cash and gold ornaments, affecting 14 victims spread across different states.
How This Kind of Impersonation Fraud Typically Works
This case illustrates how impersonation through messaging platforms can be used to build a victim's trust quickly. Fraudsters often borrow the names and identities of public figures, or people closely associated with them, to make their claims appear credible on the surface. Here, WhatsApp calls and messages were allegedly used specifically to offer political favours, positions, and benefits in exchange for money.
A familiar or influential-sounding name should never be treated as proof that the person making contact is genuine. Any claims made through WhatsApp or similar messaging platforms should be independently verified before any payment changes hands.
How to Protect Yourself
Police have advised citizens to verify claims before making any payment, and to remain cautious around unknown WhatsApp numbers and social media profiles. Anyone claiming to represent a political leader or party should be independently verified through separate, trusted channels. Those who suspect fraud should preserve messages, screenshots, phone numbers, and transaction details as evidence. Anyone facing cybercrime can call 1930 immediately, or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
FAQs
Q1. What is Gaurav Kumar accused of?
Impersonating Kanishka Singh, described as a political aide to Rahul Gandhi, to allegedly defraud election candidates of money and gold worth around ₹3 crore across 14 victims.
Q2. How did the case originate?
From a complaint filed by AICC Secretary Jetti Kusuma Kumar in July 2026, alleging someone had impersonated Kanishka Singh via WhatsApp to offer political favours in exchange for money. Notably, this original complainant did not lose money himself.
Q3. How was the accused brought to Hyderabad?
On a Production Transit warrant from Central Prison, Patiala, where he had been arrested separately by Punjab Police in an unrelated case.
Q4. What should people do if contacted by someone claiming political influence for money?
Independently verify the claim through trusted channels before making any payment, and report suspected fraud immediately through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in