Ahmedabad farmer alleges fake Instagram accounts used to defame him

The Cyber Cell of Ahmedabad Crime Branch has registered a case after a 35-year-old farmer alleged that an unidentified person created multiple fake Instagram accounts using his name and photograph and circulated his personal photographs online with the intention of damaging his reputation.

Purashotam Thakor, a resident of Hanspura in Naroda, alleged that the accused created several Instagram profiles in his name, including accounts titled “purashotam.thajor”, “pp_p60” and “purashotam.thaor”, and used his photograph as the display picture (DP).

Thakor, who is engaged in farming and currently resides in Ahmedabad while his wife and three children live in his native village in Daskroi taluka, told police that he regularly uses social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

He first became aware of the alleged impersonation on February 9, when a friend informed him about an Instagram account bearing his name and photograph. Upon checking the platform, he allegedly discovered that an unknown person had created a profile impersonating him.

The complainant said he subsequently uploaded a screenshot of the account on his Instagram story and warned his followers that the profile was fake. After the impersonator noticed the post, the person allegedly began sharing and circulating Thakor’s personal photographs through the fake account.

Police said the complainant further alleged that the unknown individual later created additional Instagram profiles using his photograph and identity, continuing to post and circulate his images online.

Thakor alleged that the fake accounts were created with the intention of defaming him in society and tarnishing his reputation. He requested police intervention to identify the person responsible, initiate legal action and ensure that the fraudulent social media accounts are removed.

The Cyber Crime Police Station has registered an FIR against the unidentified accused and launched an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to trace the creator of the accounts through digital evidence, account details and social media platform records.

Police are examining screenshots and internet protocol-related data as part of the investigation to establish the identity of the person behind the alleged fake profiles. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing.