MDA website hacked; pro-Pak messages replace homepage
The official website of the Meerut Development Authority (MDA) was hacked on Saturday, with unidentified hackers replacing its homepage with a black screen displaying objectionable pro-Pakistan messages and slogans. Visitors attempting to access the site were greeted with the defaced page instead of the usual information on urban development projects, tenders, and civic schemes.
Officials confirmed the breach on Sunday and said the MDA’s technical and information technology teams have taken the website offline for maintenance. Efforts are underway to restore the portal and secure its servers against further attacks. Superintendent of Police (City) Vinayak Gopal Bhosale said, “The hacking of the Meerut Development Authority’s website has come to our notice. The website is under maintenance for the time being. A case is being registered in connection with the incident, and the matter will be resolved soon.”
Police have initiated a probe to identify the perpetrators. The case is likely to be registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Investigators are examining digital footprints to trace the origin of the attack. The MDA, responsible for planning and development in Meerut and surrounding areas, maintains the website as a key platform for disseminating information to citizens, developers, and contractors. The defacement has raised concerns about the cybersecurity preparedness of Government bodies in Uttar Pradesh. While no data breach or loss of sensitive information has been reported so far, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in official portals.
MDA officials are working closely with the police and cyber experts to strengthen security protocols. The website remained inaccessible to the public as of Sunday evening. Authorities have assured that normal services will resume once the portal is fully restored and secured.
Similar cyber incidents targeting Government websites have been reported in the past, prompting calls for enhanced digital safeguards. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. Citizens have been advised to rely on official MDA social media handles and physical offices for information until the website is back online.
