Former minister's FB likes shoot up, police probe

Chandigarh Police Thursday ordered an enquiry into a complaint made by former union railways minister and Chandigarh MP Pawan Kumar Bansal following an "unusual increase" in 'likes' on his Facebook page.

Bansal Wednesday complained to Chandigarh Inspector General of Police R.P. Upadhyay that he suspected foul play behind the unusual increase in the number of 'likes' on his Facebook page.

Bansal's FB page got 10,900 'likes' in just 24 hours starting Tuesday.

In his complaint, Bansal pointed out that his page had 51,600 'likes' till Dec 24 but the number went up to 62,500 Dec 25.

"Usually, there used to be 10 to 20 'likes' daily. The unusual increase is a matter of concern," Bansal said.

Upadhyay has asked to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kalia to look into it.

"We will be investigating this matter," Kalia said Thursday.

Bansal's Facebook page has been hacked into in the past.

Bansal was forced to quit as the railways minister in May this year over bribery charges involving top railway officials and his nephew Vijay Singla and others, exposed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Singla and others were arrested by the CBI and Rs.90 lakh in cash was recovered from him.