Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary Alleges Extortion Over Access to Official X and Gmail Accounts; Fresh Complaint Filed with Cyber Police
Patna: A cyber-related case involving Bihar's Food and Consumer Protection Minister Dr. Ashok Choudhary has taken a fresh turn after a new complaint was filed with the Patna Cyber Police Station. Rakshit Kashyap, the minister's Officer on Special Duty (OSD)/private secretary, has alleged that ransom was demanded in exchange for restoring access to the minister's official X (formerly Twitter) handle and Gmail account. The complaint also alleges that death threats were issued during the dispute.
The matter is linked to an FIR that had already been registered. Through the fresh application, the complainant has urged the police to take immediate and stringent action. The minister's former personal assistant has been named as the primary accused in the complaint.
Fresh Complaint Submitted to Cyber Police
Rakshit Kashyap submitted a detailed application to the Patna Cyber Police Station, alleging that the minister's official X account and Gmail account remain under the control of the former personal assistant. According to the complaint, repeated requests to return access to these official accounts were allegedly ignored.
The application further claims that money was demanded in exchange for restoring access to the accounts. It also alleges that the complainant received threats of serious consequences, including death threats, making the case even more serious.
FIR Already Registered
According to available information, an FIR had already been registered in connection with the matter. The fresh complaint reportedly includes additional allegations and new facts, prompting a request for a more detailed investigation.
The complainant has requested that all new developments and supporting evidence be included in the ongoing investigation to establish the complete sequence of events.
Serious Allegations Against Former Personal Assistant
The complaint accuses the minister's former personal assistant of several serious offenses. According to the application, the former aide had managed the minister's official X handle and Gmail account during his tenure and therefore had administrative access to both accounts.
It is alleged that after leaving the position, the former assistant failed to return control of the accounts and is now attempting to use that access to exert pressure by allegedly demanding ransom.
These allegations have been made in the complaint, and they have not been independently verified. The matter remains under police investigation.
Questions Raised Over Security of Official Digital Accounts
The incident has also raised concerns about the security of official digital accounts used by government ministers and public officials. Today, social media platforms and email accounts serve not only as communication tools but also as important channels for official announcements, governance, and public engagement.
Cybersecurity experts say that proper password management, multi-factor authentication, clear administrative control, and timely transfer of account ownership are essential for protecting such official accounts.
Police Begin Investigation
Following receipt of the complaint, the Patna Cyber Police have initiated an investigation. Officials are expected to examine technical aspects of the case, including account login records, access history, email activity, and other digital evidence.
Police officials have stated that all allegations will be examined on the basis of available evidence and technical findings before any conclusions are reached.
Rising Cases of Cybercrime
Experts note that incidents involving social media account takeovers, email account misuse, digital blackmail, and online extortion have increased significantly in recent years. Such cybercrimes are increasingly targeting not only private individuals but also public officials and government institutions.
Cybersecurity professionals recommend regular password updates, multi-factor authentication, and periodic reviews of account access privileges to reduce such risks.
Political Attention
The allegations have sparked discussion in political and administrative circles, particularly because they involve the official digital accounts of a serving state minister. Observers say the matter is highly sensitive and likely to remain under close scrutiny until the investigation is completed.
Political analysts believe that the full facts will become clear only after the police complete their investigation.
Need for Stronger Digital Security Protocols
Experts stress that government departments should establish clear protocols for managing official social media and email accounts. Whenever an employee or official leaves a position, all digital access should be revoked immediately, and account credentials should be updated to prevent unauthorized use.
Such safeguards, they say, can help prevent future disputes and cyber-related offenses.
The dispute involving Bihar Food and Consumer Protection Minister Dr. Ashok Choudhary's official X handle and Gmail account has highlighted important concerns regarding cybersecurity and digital governance. In the fresh complaint filed with the Patna Cyber Police, the minister's OSD has alleged extortion demands and death threats while naming the minister's former personal assistant as the accused.
The police have begun investigating the matter and are expected to rely on technical and digital evidence to determine the facts. Until the investigation is completed, the allegations remain under examination, and no final conclusions have been reached. The case has nevertheless emerged as one of Bihar's most closely watched cyber-related investigations.
