New Delhi (Sputnik): The internet broke loose over a youngster who ran a scam based on a fake grant programme, called the ‘Free Laptop Government Scheme on the Occasion of Re-election of New Government'.
The fraudster, Rakesh Jangid, an alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), was allegedly collecting personal data for personal gain and duped over a million Indian nationals in a matter of days, according to a media report.
Many social media users called for him to be punished severely.
A user ‘mercilessly' castigated those who fell for the scam and called for them to be booked as well.
Many social media users thanked Delhi Police for unearthing the scam and arresting the suspect.
Thank u sir for awareness & action taken on such types culprits
The police social media post included a screenshot of the circulating fake news Whatsapp message. The message was in Hindi, reading: "An announcement has been made in lieu of Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister for the second time and under the aegis of ‘Make in India' initiative, that laptops will be distributed free of cost to 20 million Indian youth. Up to now 3 million people have already made successful application to avail the scheme benefits. It is now your turn to apply for the same before scheme's last date."