Published Jul 15, 2026 | 11:45 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2026 | 11:45 AM
Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan.jpg
Synopsis: An anonymous caller from Delhi allegedly promised Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan a Cabinet berth in return for ₹3 crore, triggering a cyber fraud investigation in Kerala. The bizarre offer, made through a WhatsApp call in the name of the Wayanad MP’s office, has raised concerns over increasingly audacious scams targeting even elected representatives.
An unusual phone call promising a ministerial berth in exchange for ₹3 crore has landed in the hands of the Kozhikode Cyber Cell after Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan filed a complaint alleging attempted cyber fraud.
The UDF MLA said she received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be “Rajkumar” from the office of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi.
The caller, speaking in English, allegedly claimed that a cabinet reshuffle in Kerala was imminent and that she could be inducted as a minister if she paid ₹3 crore.
The call, received on July 6 from a Delhi-based number, initially appeared unusual enough for the MLA to play along.
Growing suspicious as the conversation progressed, Vidya questioned the caller about the alleged offer, even asking how exactly he intended to make her a minister.
According to her, the caller spent nearly 10 minutes explaining the supposed “process” behind the deal.
Rather than ending the conversation immediately, the MLA said she continued speaking to gather more information before verifying the claims.
She later contacted the MP who was allegedly said to have shared her phone number. He informed her that someone posing as an AICC functionary had earlier contacted him seeking the phone numbers of two MLAs from the district.
The matter was then taken up with the Congress leadership and the office of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, where it was confirmed that no such call had originated from the MP’s office.
Following this, Vidya lodged a complaint with the Kozhikode Cyber Cell on July 11.
Cyber investigators have since confirmed that the WhatsApp call originated from Delhi and have launched an investigation.
Responding to the incident, Vidya Balakrishnan remarked that the fraudsters should have at least realised they were speaking to a Kerala MLA before attempting such a story.
“They should have the basic awareness that they are talking to an MLA from Kerala. They cannot assume that everyone here can be fooled,” she said.
The MLA, however, stressed that the issue goes beyond her personal experience.
“Many ordinary people may fall victim to such scams. Even in a state where the Cabinet has already been formed, they are attempting this kind of fraud. Just imagine how easily unsuspecting people could be cheated. That is why I filed a complaint. This isn’t about making news; it is about ensuring a proper investigation so that those behind it can be identified,” she said.
Vidya also maintained that she would not reveal further details while the investigation is underway. She said the complaint was filed with the knowledge of the party leadership and added that she has learnt that similar calls may have been made to other MLAs as well.
At present, no additional information has been disclosed by investigators.
In the Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, though Chief Minister VD Satheesan was asked about this, he said that he was unaware of such a call.
“As Chief Minister, I am unaware of any imminent Cabinet reshuffle. Regarding the call and related complaint, I am yet to get the details,” said Satheesan.
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(Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
