Hackers Hijack Himachal Govt Website, Divert CM Relief Fund to Fake Account

Shimla Aug 10

Cybercriminals hacked the Himachal Pradesh Industries Department’s official website and created a fake CM Relief Fund page with their own bank account and QR code. The scam, exposed between July 26–28, prompted police to register an FIR under BNS Section 318(4) and IT Act Section 66(C). The site, hosted at the State Data Centre in Mehli, was temporarily shut on July 28 for security. A test payment revealed the account linked to an unknown UPI ID. The extent of public money deposited during the hack is still under investigation. Officials allege the act aimed to defraud people and tarnish the government’s image.