Kozhikode , 23 July (H.S.):

Kerala Police have arrested two men from Delhi for allegedly attempting to defraud senior Congress leaders in Kerala by promising ministerial and other high-ranking political positions in a purported future United Democratic Front (UDF) government in exchange for large sums of money.

The accused, identified as Nitin Kumar and Gaurav, were arrested by the Kozhikode City Cyber Police following an investigation into complaints filed by several Congress leaders. According to the police, the suspects allegedly contacted politicians while posing as representatives from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's office.

The alleged scam first came to light after Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan revealed that she had received a phone call offering her a ministerial berth in a future UDF government if she paid Rs 3 crore. Similar calls were later reported by Members of Parliament Shafi Parambil and Dean Kuriakose, who were allegedly promised influential positions in return for money. The leaders subsequently lodged complaints with the police.

Investigators initially traced the SIM card used to make the calls to its registered owner. During questioning, the individual told the police that the mobile phone had gone missing nearly two months earlier. Police then used mobile tower location data and other technical evidence to track down the suspects in Delhi, leading to their arrest.

According to preliminary findings, the accused are suspected of targeting political leaders in similar fraud attempts in the past. Police are now examining whether the duo is part of a larger organised network involved in impersonation and political fraud.

The registered owner of the SIM card also remains under police scrutiny as investigators seek to determine whether there was any involvement or negligence in the misuse of the connection.

A special investigation team has been probing the case and had travelled to Delhi to gather evidence. Investigators are also trying to establish how the accused obtained the personal mobile numbers of Kerala's MLAs and MPs and whether additional individuals were involved in the operation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman