Sukanta files plaint as photo used in fake loan app ad
Times of India | 7 January 2025
123 Malda: Junior Union minister and state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Monday lodged a police complaint after finding his photograph was being used to advertise a fake loan app promising women an interest-free loan of Rs 4 lakh.
The advertisement was first seen on social media on Sunday and went viral within minutes. Interested women were asked to click a link to apply. The app also promised it was safe and offered repayment of the loan through a paltry EMI.
Majumdar mailed his complaint to South Dinajpur police superintendent Chinmoy Mittal, along with a screenshot. The minister wrote, "This act not only constitutes a breach of copyright and privacy but also has the potential to mislead the general public by creating a false impression of endorsement or affiliation with the minister. Such actions can tarnish the reputation and lead to misuse of public trust."
"I request your immediate intervention to investigate this matter and take appropriate action to remove my name and photograph; ensure that the responsible entity refrains from any such misuse in the future; and take necessary legal action against the violator as per the provisions," he added.
Majumdar claimed that the app had used the names and image of several other Union ministers as well.