The official `X` (formerly Twitter) handle of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was hacked on Sunday, with the hackers posting images of the flags of Pakistan and Turkey, a state official confirmed.
According to the news agency PTI, the account was recovered within 30 to 45 minutes, the official added. “We immediately alerted the cybercrime police. Our social media team, which manages the Deputy CM’s X handle, successfully retrieved access to the account,” he said.
The hackers also live-streamed content featuring images associated with the two Islamic countries, coinciding with the day of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match.
The breach has raised concerns over the state’s cybersecurity apparatus.
As per PTI, Senior Congress leader Nana Patole called the incident “shocking” and questioned the state`s preparedness in safeguarding digital infrastructure. “If a senior leader’s social media account can be hacked so easily, what safety can the common citizen expect?” he asked. Patole demanded a clear explanation and action from the state home department to prevent such incidents in the future.
The matter is currently under investigation by the cybercrime unit.
He said the hacking episode sparked sharp reactions, particularly from the Gen-Z population, who have asked that if the social media accounts of senior ministers cannot remain secure, what guarantee do ordinary citizens have regarding their online safety?
It has also put the state`s home department under the spotlight, with critics asking who would take responsibility and what concrete mechanisms are in place to ensure the protection of citizens` digital data, the Congress MLA said in a post on X.
The government recently announced its `Golden Data` scheme aimed at creating a centralised database. However, the breach of a minister`s account has raised doubts over the robustness of security measures for government websites and sensitive official data, he said.
Patole demanded that the home department provide clear answers to safeguard citizens from cyber threats.
CM Fadnavis urges Maharashtra Police to embrace tech-driven policing, flags AI and cybercrime challenges
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advocated for better policing in Maharashtra, stating that fearless and proper use of technology can take policing to the next level on Saturday.
While addressing an annual event of the Indian Police Foundation (IPF) at the Maharashtra Police Headquarters in South Mumbai, Fadnavis stressed the need to change the organisational structure of the police force from time to time to bring in agility.
“Technology is like a horse. It is the horse rider who decides the destination. If we use technology by taking it in the right direction, fearlessly and in the right manner, then I think we can take policing to the next stage,” CM Fadnavis further stated.
(With PTI inputs)
