Cops examining call records, service provider logs, and technical data
The matter came to light after the MP’s office noticed that the mobile number of the missing SIM was still active. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK
The Mumbai Police have registered a case after a SIM card officially issued by the parliamentary office to Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Ravindra Waikar was allegedly misused by an individual, said an officer.
The complaint was filed by Swapnil Arun Kulkarni, 33, the MP’s personal assistant, who stated in complaint that the SIM card, provided by the Parliament office, went missing during the process of shifting Waikar’s private residence at Kalpataru Cooperative Housing Society, Andheri East. A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered in MIDC Police”
According to the FIR registered under section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the incident is alleged to have occurred between October 2024 and November 2025. Police said that during this period, the accused, Prabhat Nasrin, allegedly kept the missing SIM card in his possession and misused it despite not being a public servant.
Investigators said the accused allegedly used the SIM card to impersonate a public servant, creating the impression that he was officially connected to the MP’s office. “The SIM card was meant strictly for official parliamentary use. However, it was found that it was being misused by an unauthorised person,” a police officer said.
A senior police officer said that preliminary investigations revealed that while the original SIM card had gone missing, it emerged that the accused was using the number. “An investigation is underway to determine whether the accused obtained the missing SIM card or activated the same mobile number on another SIM,” the officer added.
The matter came to light after the MP’s office noticed that the mobile number of the missing SIM was still active. Based on the complaint, police registered the offence on Saturday and have begun a detailed investigation, examining call records, service provider logs, and technical data to establish how the SIM card was misused and whether it was used for any illegal activities. Authorities are also trying to ascertain the motive behind the impersonation and whether the accused attempted to exploit the MP’s identity for personal gain.
“No arrest has been made so far. The accused is wanted, and efforts are on to ascertain the accused’s role,” the officer said, adding that further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. The police have not ruled out the possibility of identity misuse or data-related offences and said the probe is ongoing.
MP SIM cards
>> Provided through government-authorised telecom arrangements, traditionally via MTNL/BSNL, and in recent years, through empanelled private operators approved by the government
>> Enabled for seamless national roaming across all circles
>> Aim to avoid frequent number changes
>> Fixed monthly ceiling (talk time/data) is borne by government as official expense
>> They are disconnected or surrendered once term of MP ends
>> Closely scrutinised during election period to ensure no official resources are used for campaigning
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