Baahubali film producer Shobu Yarlagadda’s WhatsApp account hacked

Hyderabad: Shobu Yarlagadda, the producer behind the globally successful Baahubali movie, has reported that his WhatsApp account has been hacked. In a social media post, Shobu Yarlagadda shared his frustration with the situation, explaining that the hacker has gained control of his account.

He further revealed that WhatsApp is preventing him from logging back into his account for 12 hours due to multiple incorrect PIN attempts. During this time, the hacker has reportedly been targeting people in Shobu Yarlagadda’s contact list, gaining access to their accounts as well.

Shobu Yarlagadda's post reads: “My @WhatsApp account has been hacked. The hacker has taken control of my account. What’s worse is that @WhatsApp won’t let me log back in for 12 hours because it says I entered the wrong PIN multiple times. In the meantime, the hacker is duping more people in my contacts and gaining access to their accounts, putting even more accounts at risk. There seems to be no way to reach @WhatsApp. This is outrageous! Please do something about this, @Meta and @WhatsApp.”

This news has shocked fans, as Baahubali is one of the most iconic film series in Indian cinema. The first film, Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), and its sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), were both huge hits, produced by Shobu Yarlagadda under his company, Arka Media Works. These films, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, became international blockbusters and showcased a stellar cast, including Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah Bhatia.

The Cyber Crime Unit has issued a public advisory urging caution in light of the increasing frequency of cybercrime incidents. The advisory for users to protect themselves from similar threats:

• Avoid installing APK files forwarded via WhatsApp, as fraudsters often use these files to compromise devices and steal data.
• Be cautious about emails or links asking you to update or verify personal information, especially those involving KYC (Know Your Customer) documents.
• Never share sensitive information like User IDs, passwords, debit card numbers, PINs, CVVs, or OTPs over the phone or online.
• Financial institutions, including banks and the RBI, will never request confidential customer information via phone or email.
• If you suspect fraudulent activity, immediately change your credentials and report the issue to the relevant authorities.
• It is recommended to visit your bank or financial institution in person for further safety.

Victims of cybercrime are encouraged to report incidents to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930. Early reporting can help recover lost funds and prevent further damage.