Conman, Who Impersonated Andhra Pradesh CM, Arrested For Smuggling Ganja

The accused even claimed to be an MBA graduate and a former Ranji Trophy player. He was found in possession of 24 kg ganja.

Srikakulam police have registered a case against Nagaraju under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with the possession and transportation of ganja. (Representational image)

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A man who impersonated Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao's personal secretary was arrested in Srikakulam district. He was arrested for procuring, possessing, and transporting ganja (cannabis). Nagaraju Budumuru was found in possession of 24 kg of dry ganja, which he had allegedly procured from neighbouring Odisha and was planning to transport to Mumbai, IANS reported.

Srikakulam police has registered a case against Nagaraju under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with the possession and transportation of ganja. 

According to police, the accused even claimed to be an MBA graduate and a former Ranji Trophy player. However, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has denied these claims.

This is not the first time Nagaraju has been involved in criminal activities. He has a history of duping people and businesses using his impersonation skills. He was previously arrested in March for duping an electronics retail chain of Rs 12 lakh by impersonating Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Police investigation revealed that he had used the same method to cheat approximately 60 companies of nearly Rs 3 crore.

In December 2022, an employee from the managing director's office of the electronics seller received a call from a man claiming to be the personal assistant of the Andhra CM. The caller said that the CM wanted to have a word with the MD, as stated by the anti-cybercrime official.

Nagaraju then got in touch with the MD posing as the Andhra Pradesh CM. He then asked for Rs 12 lakh from the electronics retail chain towards the sponsorship of a cricketer's kit. The accused sent fake documents in the name of the Andhra Cricket Association, along with an email ID claiming to belong to the cricketer. 

However, the businessman later realised that he had been conned and lodged a complaint with the police in January.