Actor Rukmini Vasanth alleges impersonation, warns fans against fake messages
Bengaluru (PTI): Actor Rukmini Vasanth has alleged that an unknown individual has been impersonating her and contacting people under false pretences using her name.
Sharing the mobile number allegedly used by the impersonator, the actor clarified that it does not belong to her.
Taking to 'X' on November 7, Rukmini issued a statement alerting the public about the impersonation.
"I want to clarify that this number does not belong to me, and any messages or calls from it are completely fake. Please do not respond to or engage with such messages," she said.
The actor warned that the act of impersonation amounts to cybercrime and said appropriate action was being taken against those involved in such fraudulent and misleading activities.
For any clarification or verification, she urged people to contact her or her team directly.
"Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation. Stay alert and safe online," she added.
Responding to her post, the Bengaluru City Police requested the actor to report the matter to the nearest police station for necessary action.
"These are fraudulent calls and messages. Please don’t share any information with them," the police said in a reply.
Rukmini Vasanth is known for her roles in films such as 'Sapta Saagaradaache Ello', 'Madharaasi' and 'Kantara: Chapter 1', among others.
🚨 Important Alert & Awareness Message 🚨
— rukmini (@rukminitweets) November 7, 2025
It has come to my attention that an individual using the number 9445893273 is impersonating me and reaching out to various people under false pretenses.
I want to clarify that this number does not belong to me, and any messages or calls…
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Health Department launches leprosy awareness campaign in Dakshina Kannada, district reports 47 cases
Mangaluru: The Health Department launched on Friday the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign, to promote early detection and treatment to the disease and also to educate people in the district about leprosy.
The campaign, which is a nationwide initiative, will continue till February 13.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, District Health Officer Dr. HR Thimmaiah has said that 47 cases of leprosy were reported in Dakshina Kannada till December in 2025-26.
He has stressed on the need for early detection and treatment of the disease as it would prevent complications prior to detection. He also stressed on creating awareness, increasing community participation in cases of early detection. “People should not neglect white or brown patches without sensation on their skin,” the DHO advised.
Dr. Thimmaiah added that people diagnosed positive would be treated with free Leprosy Multidrug Therapy (MDT). “The government also provides Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR), splints, self-care kits, multicellular rubber footwear, and reconstructive surgery to patients. People can log on to sanjeevani.opd or esanjeevani.in for free teleconsultation if they come across any symptoms of the disease,” he added.
Referring to social stigma attached to leprosy, the DHO called it a challenge and said that the Department had planned awareness programmes in rural areas in collaboration with gram panchayats to ensure that there is no discrimination of patients. “ASHA workers and staff from other departments will be trained to create awareness among the people to overcome social stigma. A door-to-door campaign will be conducted. In addition, officials will visit educational institutions to create awareness among students,” he said.
Speaking about the leprosy cases in Dakshina Kannada, Dr. Thimmaiah said that the 47 cases were reported between April and December, with 42 being diagnosed as multibacillary (MB) leprosy and five as paucibacillary leprosy. One child too has been detected with leprosy during the year, he added.
He said that the district reported 29 cases in 2020-21, 39 in 2021-22, 75 in 2022-23, 62 in 2023-24, and 43 in 2024-25. The number of cases was higher in 2022-23 as patients were not able to visit hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic in the previous years, the DHO informed.
