Fake Money Request Sent From Minister Lakshmi Rajwade’s WhatsApp

The cyber cell in Raipur has launched an inquiry after a series of fake money‑demand messages were traced back to the WhatsApp account of Lakshmi Rajwade, the state’s Women and Child Development Minister. The messages allege that her UPI account is blocked and that she needs an urgent transfer of Rs 32,000 to resolve the issue. A QR code is attached to the messages, leading victims to a false payment gateway.

The minister disclosed the breach through an Instagram story, urging people to stay vigilant and not to honor any financial requests originating from her WhatsApp number. She also cautioned against opening any links that could further compromise personal data.

The incident surfaced while Rajwade was attending a bike rally in Surajpur, part of a road‑safety initiative. Police investigations are focused on identifying the hacker, the method of account takeover, and the distribution network used for the scam.

The event has sparked alarm among acquaintances of the minister and the broader public, underscoring the danger of scams that masquerade as legitimate requests from elected representatives. Authorities reiterate that verification is essential before any payment is made.