In tough times, when people across the different arenas of politics and people from non-political background, forgetting all social and geographical differences are coming together in solidarity with the people who are suffering due to COVID-19 and the aftermath of the pandemic, even some people are diverting the funds needed in crucial time for personal benefits.
Not only this seems to be just a fund diversion, it smells out to be a huge scam where the fund meant to be used for emergency operation is being transferred via a fake website to some other places.
In order to fight against the cases of national emergency like that caused by COVID-19, PM Narendra Modi has set up a fund in the name of PM-CARES on 28th March 2020, with an aim for combating, containment and relief efforts against the pandemic caused by corona virus.
Since the time of the inception of the fund, people have been trying to create money out of it. Earlier, people floated a fake UPI ID to divert the fund, but now a fake website has been made to switch the fund to other account, instead of original PM-CARES website.
But, to an utter surprise, BJP leaders of Maharashtra has started scamming in the name of the fund. A special fake website has been created for the purpose by BJP leaders to divert the fund from actual government funds to their personal benefits. While the original official website is : pmcares.gov.in the fake website has the domain. pmcaresfund.online This fake site is being promoted by BJP leaders through their social media accounts.
The list of the BJP leaders who have been promoting the fake website includes Former Cabinet Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, Shaina NC, who happens to be treasurer and spokesperson of BJP
My country is my identity and today My country needs me. In the nation's fight against Corona, I am dedicating my share and strengthening #NaMo's hand. You should also dedicate your share of the funds to #PMCARE. #MyContribution2Nationhttps://t.co/kRPOGYnAHc pic.twitter.com/XnbhwwMb8w
— Shaina NC (@ShainaNC) April 18, 2020
Not just asking for funds and sharing it on their social media accounts, the BJP leaders have been challenging each other, asking for funds on the fake website. The challenge was not initiated on 28th March, when the PM asked for it, but it began after 15th April, the day this fake website was created.
Moreover, the website doesn’t work on secured layer, and may collect the personal data. The website doesn’t have digital signature either!
The state government of Maharashtra must take suo-motto and initiate enquiry regarding the matter and those involved in the fake scam shall be punished.
