Fake Facebook Account created to defraud people using name of Vartha Bharati’s Editor

Complaint lodged with Cyber Police 

Vartha Bharati | 11-03-2021 | 17:04:00 IST

Bengaluru: In another case of online identity theft, on Thursday, an unknown offender created a fake Facebook account in the name of Abdussalam Puthige, editor-in-chief of Vartha Bharati Kannada daily, and reportedly attempted to defraud the online community with a false request for funds. 

This new fake account has been created by tampering with the photos and information of Abdussalaam Puthige available on Facebook. Reportedly, the perpetrator messaged AS Puthige’s friends and acquaintances using the fake profile through Facebook messenger and build a friendly rapport to only suddenly make an urgent request for money citing an emergency. The offender had provided a number asking the victims to send money via Phone pay or Google Pay, it is learned.  Alarmed by this, cautious netizens then immediately alerted Vartha Bharati Bureau, who then registered a complaint with the Bengaluru Cyber Crime Unit.

Abdussalaam Puthige has also posted a clarification regarding the episode on his official Facebook account. "It has been brought to my notice that my name, photo has been misused to create a fake Facebook account and it is being used to send messages to my acquaintances via Messenger requesting urgent monetary assistance. I have not sent any such messages to anybody. So do not believe any such messages being sent in my name. I have lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru Cyber Crime Division against the fraudulent activity being done using my name”, he clarified.

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Bidar: Representative of Supreme Leader of Iran visits Shaheen Knowledge City

20-04-2026 ¦ 20-04-2026 IST

Bidar: Ayatullah Professor Abdul Majeed Hakim Elahi, the Representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in India during his visit to Shaheen Knowledge City on Monday visited the Shaheen Group of Institutions.  

Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions welcomed Professor Abdul Majeed Hakim Elahi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Qadeer highlighted the historic and civilisational relationship between India and Iran and the centuries-old cultural, educational, and academic exchanges between the two nations.

Furthermore, he emphasized that both countries share deep-rooted ties in knowledge, language, and scientific traditions, which continue to strengthen cooperation even today. 

During his visit, Ayatullah Hakim Elahi addressed a large gathering of students and faculty at Shaheen PU College.

Addressing the gathering, Ayatullah Hakim Elahi spoke on the importance of science, technology, and development, stressing that nations progress through innovation, research, and strong educational institutions.

He also encouraged students to aim for excellence in emerging fields such as biotechnology, space science, cyber technology, and nanotechnology.

During the visit, discussions were also held on future academic collaborations between Indian institutions and leading universities in Iran, particularly in advanced scientific and technological sectors.

Ayatullah Hakim Elahi also commended the remarkable contribution of the Shaheen Group of Institutions in transforming the lives of students, especially those from underprivileged and Madrasa backgrounds, by providing quality education and opportunities in professional fields.

As part of his visit, Ayatullah Hakim Elahi also toured the historic Mahmud Gawan Madrasa and commended its legacy as a centre of learning.