In a shocking case of cyber fraud, Naresh Gujral, 78, former MP and son of late IK Gujral, the 12th Prime Minister of India, has fallen victim to an elaborate impersonation scam that resulted in the loss
of a huge amount of money between June 12 and June 16, 2026.
The fraudsters targeted Naresh Gujral’s company via its financial team through WhatsApp, using a fake account bearing the profile picture (display picture) of Naresh Gujral himself to impersonate him. The deceptive message was sent to one of his trusted employees, instructing him to transfer money into a specified bank account via RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement).
Unaware that the message was not from his employer, who had been entrusted with financial access by the complainant, carried out four separate RTGS transactions, collectively amounting to crores of rupees, between June 12 and June 16, 2026. This is Delhi’s one of the biggest cyber frauds in terms of money involved.
Naresh told News18 that because of swift action by law enforcement agencies in Delhi, most of the amount is blocked and couldn’t be withdrawn. “Just after the complaint, the cyber agency in Delhi came into action and immediately blocked the amount,” Naresh told News18.
He also said that the bank also called before clearing the amount. “The bank called my CFO but he thought I had given the instructions so he asked the bank to clear and complete the transactions,” Naresh said.
The Discovery
The fraud came to light on June 16, 2026, when the employer informed Naresh’s daughter Diksha about the transactions. Alarmed, Diksha Gujral immediately sought confirmation from her father, Naresh Gujral, who categorically stated that he had never issued any such instruction and had no knowledge of the said transactions.
It was at this point that the family and staff realised they had been the victims of a sophisticated impersonation fraud.
Complaint & Action
The family first attempted to reach the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). Diksha Gujral successfully contacted the 1930 Cyber Helpline, following which an e-FIR has been registered with the concerned authorities.
According to Naresh, authorities have been able to place a lien on approximately 70% of the total defrauded amount, and investigations are currently underway. “Agencies in Delhi have done a wonderful job, immediately acted on the complaint and blocked 70 per cent amount. Everyone must complain immediately so that cyber agencies can block the amount to control the damage,” Naresh told News18 over the phone.
Background
Naresh Gujral is a Chartered Accountant and heads a manufacturing company dealing in Textile, Leather, and other apparel products. His late father, Inder Kumar Gujral, served as the Prime Minister of India and was widely respected.
