The Cantonment Police in Thiruvananthapuram have arrested S Shamnad, 45, a resident of Vembayam, for allegedly running an impersonation racket for nearly seven months using a mobile number that once belonged to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, according to reports by The Daily Jagran citing News18 and Malayalam outlet Malayali Vartha.

Source: The Daily Jagran

According to the reports, Shamnad learnt that the number Satheesan had used as Leader of the Opposition was no longer active. He allegedly waited about three months and then applied at a BSNL office in Venjaramoodu to obtain the same number, describing it in his application as his 'lucky number'.

Caller-identification platforms such as Truecaller continued to display Satheesan's name and photograph against the number. Using that cover, Shamnad allegedly introduced himself as the Chief Minister's private secretary calling from the Chief Minister's Office, contacted senior government and police officials, and allegedly intimidated some of them.

The Chief Minister's Office eventually alerted the police, and an investigation led to Shamnad's arrest by the Cantonment Police. Investigators are examining whether he used the false identity to influence government departments, collect money or commit other financial fraud.

Reports said Shamnad has nine cases registered against him in Thiruvananthapuram alone, including an alleged history of similar impersonation. The allegations against him are yet to be tested in court.