In an era where artificial intelligence trends go viral within hours and capture millions of users globally, few voices cut through the digital noise with the clarity and urgency of the IPS officer, V.C. Sajjanar (Vishwanath Channappa Sajjanar), who is now the managing director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation. His latest intervention regarding Google’s Gemini Nano Banana AI trend represents just the newest chapter in a distinguished career dedicated to protecting citizens from the evolving landscape of cybercrime and digital deception.
On September 14, 2025, as millions across India were swept up in the viral frenzy of transforming selfies into Bollywood-style portraits using Google’s AI tool, Sajjanar issued a stark warning that reverberated across social media platforms. “Be cautious with internet trends!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging critical government agencies including the Prime Minister’s Office, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. His message was direct and uncompromising: “With just one click, the money in your bank accounts can end up in the hands of criminals”.
The Nano Banana Warning: A Case Study in Digital Vigilance
What distinguished Sajjanar’s response to the Nano Banana phenomenon wasn’t merely its timeliness—it was his understanding of how viral trends become vectors for sophisticated fraud schemes. While users reveled in creating AI-generated saree portraits and retro imagery, Sajjanar recognized the proliferation of fake websites and unauthorized applications claiming to offer similar services. His warning specifically targeted these malicious platforms that prey on trending topics to harvest personal data and financial information.
The IPS officer’s post gained immediate traction, drawing responses from citizens who had encountered suspicious platforms. One user commented, “Sir, I didn’t even upload it—my friend uploaded my photo on Nano Banana, and I was so mad”. Such interactions highlight Sajjanar’s ability to tap into genuine public concerns and transform awareness into actionable safety measures.
His intervention proved prescient when reports emerged of users experiencing unsettling discoveries—such as AI-generated images revealing personal details not visible in original photos. These incidents validated Sajjanar’s warnings about the potential risks of sharing personal information with unverified platforms.
The QNet Breakthrough: Establishing Anti-MLM Expertise
Long before the Nano Banana trend, Sajjanar had established himself as India’s foremost authority on combating multi-level marketing fraud through his systematic dismantling of the QNet empire. As Cyberabad Police Commissioner in 2019, he led what became one of the largest MLM busts in Indian history, registering 38 cases and arresting 70 people across multiple states.
The scope of Sajjanar’s QNet investigation was unprecedented. His team seized the company’s Bengaluru warehouse, froze Rs 2.7 crore in bank accounts, and issued lookout notices for 12 directors and promoters. The operation extended across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi, exposing a network that had defrauded thousands of victims of crores of rupees.
What set Sajjanar apart was his recognition that QNet’s threat extended beyond financial fraud to social engineering. The scheme specifically targeted software employees, unemployed youth, and homemakers—vulnerable populations seeking economic advancement. His investigation revealed how the company, operating under various names including Gold Quest and Quest Net, used sophisticated psychological tactics to recruit victims into pyramid structures.
The QNet case established Sajjanar’s methodology: comprehensive investigation, coordinated multi-state action, and strategic use of media to raise public awareness. His approach influenced the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to initiate winding-up procedures against Vihaan Direct Selling Private Limited, QNet’s Indian subsidiary.
The Amway Confrontation: Challenging Celebrity Endorsements
Sajjanar’s crusade against fraudulent companies reached a dramatic crescendo in March 2023 when he directly challenged Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s association with Amway. In a tweet that garnered national attention, Sajjanar wrote: “I humbly request the Super Star Amitabh and other celebrities not to collaborate with fraud companies like Amway which destroys the fiscal system of the country & well-knitted social fabric of the society”.
This unprecedented public challenge to one of India’s most revered celebrities demonstrated Sajjanar’s willingness to confront powerful interests when public welfare was at stake. His timing was strategic—the Enforcement Directorate had recently accused Amway of operating a “multi-level marketing scam” and seized assets worth Rs 757 crore.
Sajjanar’s approach was both respectful and uncompromising. Rather than attacking Bachchan personally, he focused on the broader implications of celebrity endorsements for fraudulent schemes. His message resonated with thousands who had suffered losses through MLM companies that exploited star power to legitimize their operations.
The Amway intervention reflected Sajjanar’s understanding that modern fraud relies heavily on social proof and celebrity endorsements. By directly challenging these endorsements, he attacked the credibility structure that enables such schemes to flourish.
Digital Arrest Scam: Innovation in Cybercrime Prevention
Sajjanar’s expertise in emerging cyber threats was further demonstrated through his campaign against “digital arrest” scams—a sophisticated fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims. His intervention in this area showcased his ability to identify and combat evolving criminal methodologies.
The digital arrest scam represents a particularly insidious form of cyber fraud, exploiting citizens’ fear of law enforcement while creating artificial urgency. Sajjanar’s response was characteristically direct: “There is nothing like digital arrest in the law. If anybody tells you that you are digitally arrested, please report it to the cyber crime wing or the nearest police station immediately”.
His work on digital arrest scams gained national recognition when the Prime Minister’s Office featured a victim’s video—originally shared by Sajjanar—in a Mann Ki Baat episode. This recognition validated Sajjanar’s approach of using social media to amplify awareness about emerging threats.
The Betting Apps Crusade: A National Movement
Perhaps Sajjanar’s most impactful campaign has been his sustained assault on online betting applications, launched through the hashtag #SayNoToBettingApps. This initiative emerged from his recognition that betting apps represent a particularly dangerous evolution in digital fraud, targeting teenagers rather than adults like traditional MLM schemes.
The catalyst for Sajjanar’s betting app campaign was a series of suicides in Telangana—at least seven deaths directly linked to financial losses from online gambling. Unlike previous fraud schemes that primarily caused financial loss, betting apps were literally destroying lives, driving vulnerable youth to suicide.
Sajjanar’s campaign strategy was comprehensive and emotionally resonant. He shared personal stories of victims, exposed the deceptive marketing tactics of betting platforms, and directly challenged celebrities and influencers promoting these apps. His message to promoters was uncompromising: “You’re not advertisers; you’re cyber terrorists”.
The campaign’s impact was measurable and significant. Within just 10 days of launch, Sajjanar’s content reached over 90 million digital footprints. More importantly, his efforts contributed to concrete action—police registrations against betting app promoters and the formation of Special Investigation Teams to combat illegal gambling networks.
Sajjanar’s betting app campaign culminated in a major victory when the central government banned online betting and money-based gaming apps in August 2025. He hailed this decision as “historic,” stating that “this move will not only save many lives but also protect the very social fabric of our society from the dangerous consequences of gambling addiction”.
Professional Journey: From Beat Cop to Digital Pioneer
Vishwanath Channappa Sajjanar’s journey from a small-town Karnataka boy to one of India’s most recognized cybercrime fighters reflects both personal determination and professional excellence. Born on October 24, 1968, in Hubballi, Karnataka, Sajjanar’s early education at Lions English Medium School and subsequent graduation from J.G. College of Commerce provided the foundation for his analytical approach to law enforcement.
His decision to pursue an MBA from Kousali Institute of Management Studies, Dharwad, before joining the Indian Police Service in 1996, proved prescient. This business education equipped him with the financial acumen necessary to understand complex fraud schemes that would define his later career.
Sajjanar’s early postings as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Jangaon and later as Superintendent of Police in Warangal established his reputation for decisive action. The 2008 Warangal acid attack case, where he oversaw the shooting of three suspects who attacked female engineering students, demonstrated his commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens—a theme that would define his entire career.
His appointment as Cyberabad Police Commissioner in March 2018 marked the beginning of his transformation into a digital-age law enforcement pioneer. Recognizing that Cyberabad encompassed India’s technology hub—including HITEC City and Gachibowli—Sajjanar positioned himself at the intersection of technology and law enforcement.
The SCSC Legacy: Public-Private Partnership Innovation
As Cyberabad Commissioner, Sajjanar’s most enduring innovation was his leadership of the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), a pioneering public-private partnership between police and IT industry. Under his guidance, SCSC became what Telangana DGP M. Mahender Reddy called “a benchmark institution” with “an interface of this scale does not exist anywhere in the world”.
The SCSC’s impact extended far beyond traditional security concerns. With 205 member companies, the council facilitated business continuity during the COVID-19 lockdown, making Cyberabad the first region in India to ensure uninterrupted IT operations during the pandemic. This achievement demonstrated Sajjanar’s ability to translate law enforcement expertise into broader social and economic benefits.
The council’s work encompassed road safety, women’s safety, and cyber safety—reflecting Sajjanar’s holistic approach to community welfare. Annual awards in categories such as “Excellence in Driving Women Safety Measures” and “Promoting Road Safety Measures” institutionalized recognition for corporate social responsibility.
TSRTC Transformation: Administrative Excellence
Sajjanar’s appointment as Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) in August 2021 represented a transition from law enforcement to public administration, yet his core mission remained unchanged: public service and systemic reform.
His vision for TSRTC reflects the same comprehensive approach that characterized his police work. “I have three goals in mind for TSRTC,” he explained. “First, I want to make the corporation self-reliant and focus on increasing its revenues. Second, we will work towards customer satisfaction as that is the most important aspect of any business, and last I will be working extensively towards staff welfare”.
Under Sajjanar’s leadership, TSRTC has pursued ambitious modernization goals, including fleet expansion from 9,000 to 11,000 vehicles and revenue targets of $1.5 billion. His emphasis on technology integration—including AI and machine learning for operational efficiency—reflects his understanding that even traditional public services must embrace digital transformation.
Social Media as a Force for Good
What distinguishes Sajjanar from his contemporaries is his masterful use of social media as a tool for public education and social change. His Twitter account (@SajjanarVC) has become a platform for real-time cybercrime awareness, reaching millions with timely warnings about emerging threats.
His social media strategy combines personal engagement with institutional messaging. Whether challenging celebrity endorsements, exposing fraud schemes, or providing safety tips, Sajjanar’s posts maintain an authoritative yet accessible tone that resonates with diverse audiences.
The success of his #SayNoToBettingApps campaign—reaching over 100 million digital footprints—demonstrates the power of sustained, targeted social media activism. By sharing victim stories, exposing fraud tactics, and directly challenging enablers, Sajjanar transformed awareness into action.
Recognition and Impact
Sajjanar’s contributions have earned recognition at the highest levels of government. His promotion to Additional Director General of Police in March 2021 acknowledged his exceptional service. More significantly, his work has influenced national policy, contributing to legislative action against online gambling and MLM fraud.
The integration of his victim testimonial into Prime Minister Modi’s Mann Ki Baat program represents the ultimate validation of his approach. When the nation’s highest office amplifies a local IPS officer’s anti-fraud message, it demonstrates the national significance of Sajjanar’s work.
The Philosophy of Digital Protection
At its core, Sajjanar’s approach to cybercrime prevention rests on a simple but powerful philosophy: “Your data, your money—your responsibility”. This message empowers citizens while acknowledging the reality that in the digital age, personal vigilance is the first line of defense against fraud.
His warnings consistently emphasize the permanence of digital actions versus the temporality of trends. “These trends come and make a fuss for a few days before disappearing… Once your data goes to fake websites or unauthorised apps, retrieving it is difficult,” he frequently reminds his audience.
This philosophy extends beyond individual protection to societal transformation. By challenging celebrity endorsements, exposing fraudulent schemes, and demanding corporate accountability, Sajjanar seeks to create an environment where fraud becomes socially unacceptable and economically unviable.
The Continuing Crusade
As V.C. Sajjanar continues his multifaceted career—balancing TSRTC leadership with ongoing cybercrime awareness—his influence on India’s digital safety landscape remains profound. His latest intervention in the Nano Banana trend demonstrates that viral phenomena require immediate, expert analysis to separate genuine innovation from potential exploitation.
His career trajectory suggests that the intersection of law enforcement, technology, and public service will continue to define his contributions. Whether confronting MLM schemes, challenging celebrity endorsements, or warning about AI-related risks, Sajjanar’s approach remains consistent: comprehensive investigation, strategic communication, and unwavering commitment to public welfare.
In an era where digital threats evolve rapidly and cross traditional boundaries, India needs leaders who understand both technology and human vulnerability. V.C. Sajjanar represents this rare combination—a digital guardian whose expertise spans criminal investigation, corporate fraud, social media strategy, and public administration. His ongoing crusade against online fraud isn’t just about law enforcement; it’s about protecting India’s digital future and ensuring that technological advancement serves human flourishing rather than enabling exploitation.
As new threats emerge and existing ones evolve, Sajjanar’s voice will likely continue to serve as a critical warning system for India’s digital citizens. His legacy lies not just in the cases he’s solved or the frauds he’s exposed, but in the awareness he’s created and the culture of digital vigilance he’s fostered across the nation.
– Naresh Nunna
