Gaya DM's fake account raises security concerns

Gaya: A fake account of Gaya district magistrate (DM) Shashank Shubhankar has allegedly been created by unidentified cybercriminals on a popular instant messaging platform, it came to light on Monday.It raises serious concerns as the Gaya DM, in his capacity as the district election officer, is in charge of the overall conduct and management of the election in 10 of the 243 assembly segments of the state.Confirming the fraud, the DM said that the account was created with a cellphone number with the country code of Vietnam. The account also carries an exact lookalike photograph of the DM, making the account appear authentic.Some officials even received messages purportedly sent by the DM from this number. One of the messages inquired about the whereabouts/location of the district-level official concerned.The DM directed the officials to remain extra careful.The cyber security deputy superintendent of police was directed to conduct an in-depth inquiry, identify the fraudster and bring him to book.According to official circles, the timing of the cyber offence is all the more alarming as it was committed ahead of a crucial assembly election. The important contestants include cooperative minister Prem Kumar, the BJP candidate for the Gaya town assembly constituency.