Thiruvananthapuram, 16 July (H.S.):A suspected fraud targeting senior Congress leaders has widened after several party functionaries, including Members of Parliament Shafi Parambil and Dean Kuriakose, reportedly received anonymous phone calls offering influential political positions in exchange for large sums of money.

The calls came days after Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan reported receiving a similar offer, in which the caller allegedly promised a ministerial berth if she paid ₹3 crore. The caller claimed to be speaking from the office of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, prompting immediate concern within the party.

According to the complaint, the callers told the leaders that a Cabinet reshuffle was expected soon and claimed they could secure ministerial positions or other senior appointments by paying crores of rupees. The offers allegedly extended beyond the leaders themselves, with assurances that their associates would also be accommodated in key posts.

Following the incident, D.S. Rajkumar, private secretary to Priyanka Gandhi, lodged a complaint with the police, stating that the callers had falsely identified themselves as representatives from the Wayanad MP's office. The complaint alleged that the accused had attempted to impersonate officials from the office to deceive political leaders and obtain money through fraudulent promises.

Police have registered a case under sections relating to impersonation, cheating and attempted financial fraud. Investigators are now tracing the mobile number used to make the calls and are examining whether the incidents are part of a larger organised scam targeting political figures.

Earlier, Vidya Balakrishnan had also approached the police after receiving a call promising her a ministerial position in return for ₹3 crore. Based on her complaint, the Wayanad Cyber Police registered a separate case and launched an investigation.

Authorities are examining whether all the calls originated from the same source and have urged political leaders and the public to remain alert against fraudsters impersonating officials or offering government positions in exchange for money.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman