Kozhikode (Kerala) | Congress MLA from Elathur, Vidya Balakrishnan, on Wednesday said she had received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be from the party high command, offering her a ministerial berth in exchange for a huge sum of money.

The MLA said the caller, who claimed to be calling from New Delhi, told her that a cabinet reshuffle would take place in Kerala soon and that she could be made a minister if she paid the amount.

She immediately lodged a police complaint, following which the Kozhikode Cyber Cell launched an investigation into the incident.

Balakrishnan said she had informed the Congress leadership about the call immediately and filed the police complaint as per its direction.

"A few days ago, I received the call. Similar calls have been received by several MLAs. The caller spoke in English. I informed the leadership as soon as I got the call and, as per their direction, lodged a complaint with the police," she told reporters here.

She said everyone knew that ministerial positions in the Congress were not decided based on money, but such fraudulent calls could mislead first-time legislators.

"I hope the probe is carried out properly and the culprits are identified," she added.

When asked about the incident at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the matter had not come to his notice.