Chandigarh: Cybercrime investigators have launched a high-profile fraud probe after a sophisticated identity thief allegedly impersonated the son of a prominent political figure to solicit legal clients across India.Satyam Tandon, a lawyer and the son of former Chandigarh BJP president Sanjay Tandon, alerted authorities after discovering a WhatsApp Business account using his name and professional headshot to offer legal services. The breach has prompted a criminal case under India’s new digital and identity theft laws.According to a complaint filed at the Cyber Thana police station, an unidentified individual created a fraudulent profile on a mobile number not associated with Tandon. The suspect allegedly posed as a high-ranking associate of a law firm, contacting various individuals to offer legal representation and advice. Tandon, a resident of Sector 18D, told police the impersonation has caused significant damage to his professional reputation.The investigation gained critical momentum on March 18, 2026, when a verification call was placed to the fraudulent number. During the conversation, the suspect identified himself as Tandon and proposed a face-to-face meeting at the Tis Hazari Court complex in Delhi. This interaction was recorded on video and has been handed over to investigators as primary evidence of identity fraud.Tandon has formally requested that the WhatsApp account be deactivated immediately to prevent further misuse of his credentials. He is seeking strict legal action to deter future attempts at professional impersonation.Police have registered the case under Section 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which pertains to cheating by personation, alongside Section 66C of the Information Technology Act. Officials stated that technical evidence, including the digital footprint of the mobile number and the recorded video, is being analyzed to track down the suspect.
