CANACONA
Extortionists created a fake WhatsApp account of Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar and have allegedly been contacting MLAs in the State to seek money on behalf of him.
Tawadkar on Monday lodged a complaint with the Canacona police in the matter.
In his complaint, Tawadkar stated that culprits had used a fake ID and his photo as DP on WhatsApp to defame him and to extort money by contacting MLAs in the State and asking money on behalf of him on WhatsApp.
According to sources close to Goa Speaker, a fake WhatsApp business account with the Sri Lanka telephone code +94 has been created in the name of Tawadkar,
Extortionists have allegedly sent messages not only to MLAs, but have also sought funds/money from at least three ministers.
It was not known if any minister or MLA had fallen prey to the extortion scam, but the Speaker acted swiftly to file a police complaint.
The Speaker’s office attempted to contact the international number which was used to create the fake WhatsApp account, but could not make calls with the number.
The Speaker’s office has now reportedly got in touch with cyber experts in the matter.
Sources in the know informed that extortionists with full knowledge of local developments have tried to take advantage of Tawadkar’s social activity of Shram-Dham concept, in which he has been building houses for the needy.
Tawadkar has gained reputation and widespread acclaim after he launched the Shram Dham concept to build houses to the needy through a trust, the Balram Charitable Foundation (BCF).
As part of the Shram Dham activity, BCF has sought a donation of 1 rupee and one day work as contribution from the public for the activity.
Under this initiative, over 20 Shram-Dham houses have been built in Canacona and other houses have been promised to the needy in other parts of the State.
In the recent Assembly Session, Tawadkar had also announced the BCF would extend its services in Wayanad (Kerala) which has been struck by devastating landslides.
He had also mentioned that over 200 volunteers would visit Kerala to build houses for the affected people of Wayanad.
