A disturbing case of cyber fraud has emerged in Himachal Pradesh, involving the mobile phone and WhatsApp account of Pratibha Singh, mother of state cabinet minister Vikramaditya Singh. Unauthorized individuals have gained control of her number and are actively soliciting funds from unsuspecting contacts. The matter has been formally reported to the authorities, and the Shimla Police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the security breach.
Pratibha Singh's Public Alert
Addressing the situation on social media, Pratibha Singh confirmed that her device and messaging account were compromised. She cautioned that messages and calls originating from her number are part of a fraudulent scheme, urging her contacts and the public to ignore any requests for money. She confirmed that a formal report has been lodged with the IT and cyber crime wings to track the culprits and prevent further misuse of her identity.
Minister Urges Caution
Minister Vikramaditya Singh also utilized his official social media presence to warn the public against the ongoing scam. He emphasized that as his mother's account is currently under external control, no one should respond to money requests or transfer funds. The family has provided all necessary details to the cyber cell for immediate action against the perpetrators.
Surge in Cyber Crime Trends
This incident underscores the rising wave of digital crime in Himachal Pradesh. Official data indicates that reported cyber crimes in the state stood at 8,077 in 2023, rising to 12,249 in 2024. By 2025, the number of complaints surged to 18,706, representing an alarming increase of approximately 52%. Despite the high volume of complaints, the rate of conversion into formal First Information Reports (FIRs) remains significantly low, posing a substantial challenge for state law enforcement.
