Karnataka High Court Asks Winzo To Appear Before Police & Record Statement After Woman Alleges Misuse Of Pan Card On Gaming App

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday (January 7) directed online gaming company Winzo Games Private Limited to appear before the police and record its statement in a criminal case wherein a woman has alleged that her Pan Card details were stolen and misused on Winzo's gaming app. 

As per the complainant, it is alleged that Winzo found out and communicated about the misuse of the complainant's pan card and asked her to register a complaint as it is a serious matter.

After this the crime came to be registered for the offences under Section 420 (cheating) of the IPC and Sections 66(c) and (d) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, against the company and other accused.

Senior Advocate Sandesh CJ Chouta appearing for the company argued that “I have informed the complainant about the misuse. How can I be made as an accused in the case. Further, on being asked by the police, I have provided details of those misusing the pan card of the complainant. If they again want the same details I can again provide it.”

The court was also informed that the complainant has been served with the petition and she was not represented. However, the prosecution said that “Complainant may not be interested but this is how people's identity is stolen and misused.Let them cooperate in investigation.”

Justice M Nagaprasanna recorded the statement made by Additional Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha that what the petitioner now projects is only a tip of the iceberg and there is something more that meets the eye, for which the recording of the statement of petitioner and investigation is imperative.

Following which the court continued its earlier interim order dated 26-11-2024, directed stalling of the investigation.

It however said, “In the light of the said statement (made by ASPP) I deem it appropriate to direct the petitioner to appear before the jurisdictional police on Monday at 11 am and the investigating officer shall record the statement of the petitioner on the said date.”

It added “In the garb of recording the statement or conduct of investigation no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner in the teeth of the subsistence of the interim order. It is only to unearth the truth that investigation is permitted in the case at hand, particularly for recording the statement.”

Case Title: Winzo Games Private Ltd And State of Karnataka & ANR

Case No: CRL.P 10707/2024