TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee is the latest high-profile casualty in a startling cyber fraud case, underscoring the rising threats faced by both citizens and public officials. A staggering Rs 57 lakh was taken from his inactive State Bank of India (SBI) account through unauthorized transactions.
Banerjee, who represents Serampore in West Bengal, voiced serious concerns regarding cybercrime, stating, “If someone like me can be ensnared in bank fraud, what risks do ordinary citizens face? When will the Ministry of Finance establish a dedicated anti-cyber fraud unit?” he asked.
The account in question had been dormant for years, established between 2001 and 2006 during his tenure as MLA for Asansol South. Cybercriminals reportedly utilized counterfeit PAN and Aadhaar cards while falsifying Banerjee’s image to execute the fraud. Nearly Rs 57 lakh was drained from the account through a series of transactions that initially went undetected.
Upon noticing irregularities, the bank swiftly reported the incident to Kolkata Police’s cybercrime division. Banerjee confirmed that SBI returned the stolen funds to his parliamentary account, attributing the unauthorized transactions to an internal error.
Investigators are currently examining how the fraudulent scheme was implemented and assessing the bank’s security protocols to avert future occurrences. This incident serves as a potent reminder that even prominent figures are not immune to cyber threats, highlighting an urgent need for bolstered security measures and public education.
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