Man Poses As NCP's Praful Patel To Extort Money From Qatar's Royal Family, Arrested

Mumbai: A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Mumbai for impersonating NCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel and trying to extort money from Qatar's Royal Family, police said. 

The accused has been identified as Ravi Kant, a resident of Mumbai’s Juhu.

Maharashtra Cyber Cell said that the accused sent WhatsApp messages to the personal assistant of Qatar's royal family to seek their assistance in securing a business opportunity. 

“He also used his display picture on his WhatsApp account during the communication,” an official said. 

Used Praful Patel’s Picture on WhatsApp Display

Officials further stated that the accused was in dire need of money as he had to cover the medical expenses of his mother. 

"Kant's interrogation revealed that his intention was not to extort money. He wanted to develop communication with the Qatar royal family with the intention to get some business opportunities. Also, he is in need of money for medical expenses for his ailing mother," he said. 

Matter came to light after Rajya Sabha MP was alerted by the Qatari royals about the suspicious messages.

Wanted Money To Cover Medical Expenses of Mother

Kant reached out to the Qatari Royal family after discovering a website that offered contact details of high-profile businessmen and bureaucrats worldwide for a fee of Rs 500. Through this website, he got the details of the members and staff of the family.

A case has been registered against Ravi Kant under the Information Technology Act, forgery and cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police said.