2 min readKolkataJul 18, 2026 04:12 PM IST
The West Bengal governor’s office has lodged a complaint with the Kolkata police, alleging that an unknown individual was impersonating Governor R N Ravi and making phone calls to senior officials, dignitaries, and others.
In a letter to the deputy commissioner of police, cyber crime cell, on Friday, Soumitra Mohan, Ravi’s secretary, said the impersonator had been using a specific mobile number and was issuing instructions and requests in the governor’s name. Saying the matter was “of grave concern”, the letter flagged that the act has “serious administrative and security implications”.
“Such fraudulent acts not only amount to criminal impersonation and cheating but also have the potential to compromise the dignity and constitutional office of the Hon’ble Governor. More importantly, they pose serious security concerns and carry the risk of misleading public authorities and other individuals into acting upon false representations purportedly made by a constitutional functionary,” the letter added.
Mohan urged the police to launch an immediate investigation, identify the person or people behind the act, trace the owner of the number, preserve electronic evidence, and take legal action.
“You are also requested to take all necessary technical and preventive measures to ensure that such impersonation is stopped forthwith and that any wider conspiracy, if involved, is thoroughly investigated,” the letter said.
“Considering the sensitivity of the matter and its potential security ramifications, an expeditious investigation may kindly be undertaken and this Secretariat may be kept informed of the action taken in the matter,” it added.
Advisory issued
The Lok Bhavan also issued an advisory warning officials and the general public about the impersonator. “Government officials and members of the public are advised to exercise due caution and not to act upon any unsolicited or suspicious telephone call or other communication purporting to be from the Hon’ble Governor or any officer of Lok Bhavan without first verifying its authenticity with Lok Bhavan,” the advisory stated, urging people to contact the Lok Bhavan if they had any information.
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