DC Shimla files complaint over misuse of name and photograph
Similar case earlier reported by SDM
Shimla, Nov 19,
A fresh case of digital impersonation involving a senior Himachal Pradesh civil servant has surfaced, with Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, formally filing a complaint about the unauthorised use of his name and photograph on WhatsApp. The complaint, addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shimla, alleges that an unknown individual used his identity to contact people from an international number, raising concerns of potential fraud, harassment and misrepresentation of official authority.
According to the letter, the impersonator used a mobile number to create a WhatsApp profile carrying the DC’s name and official photograph. The individual then initiated conversations with various people, posing as the Deputy Commissioner. Terming the act a serious breach, Kashyap stated that such misuse “has serious potential for miscommunication, harassment, or financial fraud.” He has requested immediate intervention by the cyber cell to identify the culprit and initiate legal and technical action under relevant laws.
This development follows a similar incident earlier this month involving the Shimla SDM (Urban), who also lodged a formal complaint after fake Facebook accounts were created in her name. As reported, at least one such fake profile had even circulated an AI-generated obscene image, prompting the filing of an FIR and the launch of a cyber investigation. The SDM’s case highlighted the growing problem of digitally manipulated images and impersonation targeting public officials in Himachal Pradesh.
Taken together, the two cases underscore a rising trend: senior bureaucrats increasingly finding themselves at the receiving end of identity theft on social media platforms. Officials note that the rapid proliferation of AI tools and the ease with which photographs can be extracted from public events or government websites have expanded the scope for such misuse.
Police sources indicate that the cyber cell is examining technical trails, including device IDs, IP addresses and communication logs. However, the investigation may be complicated by the fact that the number used in the DC’s case appears to be international, often a tactic used to evade local jurisdiction.
With two impersonation complaints filed within weeks, the district administration has urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify any unusual online communication claiming to be from government officers.
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