Delhi Police Nabs Impersonator After Nine-Year Fugitive Chase
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has successfully arrested a man who had been evading law enforcement for nearly a decade. The individual, identified as Vimal Bhat, was taken into custody from the Patparganj Industrial Area in east Delhi on Thursday, bringing an end to his prolonged run from justice.
Elusive Fugitive Apprehended Following Tip-Off
Vimal Bhat, a resident of Raj Nagar Extension in Ghaziabad, had been absconding since 2017 in connection with a case registered at the Dwarka South police station. His prolonged evasion led a court to declare him a proclaimed offender during the trial proceedings. The arrest was executed based on a crucial tip-off received by the police, which prompted immediate action.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vikram Singh provided details of the operation, stating, "The team was strategically deployed in the Patparganj Industrial Area after receiving information that Bhat would arrive there. At precisely 3:25 PM, an informer pointed out Bhat as he approached from the industrial area side, leading to his immediate arrest." This coordinated effort highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in tracking down elusive criminals.
Sophisticated Impersonation Tactics Uncovered
Investigations revealed that Bhat employed elaborate methods to deceive and intimidate his victims. He utilized a counterfeit identity card and operated a vehicle equipped with "POLICE" stickers, a siren, and a loud hailer, creating a convincing facade of authority. This setup allowed him to mislead individuals and instill fear, facilitating his fraudulent activities.
Police authorities disclosed that several incriminating items were previously seized from his possession, including:
- A fabricated Intelligence Bureau identity card
- A walkie-talkie for communication
- Various police-style accessories
- A siren and loud hailer for vehicle modifications
- Documents bearing forged government credentials
Additionally, an identity card purportedly issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs was confiscated, further underscoring the extent of his deceptive practices.
Extensive Criminal History Across Jurisdictions
Further probe into Bhat's activities uncovered his involvement in multiple other cases spanning different jurisdictions. His criminal record includes:
- A case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in Udhampur
- A 2020 case at Nawabad police station under Sections 279 (rash or negligent driving on a public way) and 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code
- A 2018 case at Naraina police station involving charges of cheating, impersonation, and other criminal offences
This pattern of criminal behavior demonstrates a consistent disregard for the law and a propensity for engaging in fraudulent and dangerous activities.
The arrest marks a critical step in addressing impersonation crimes that exploit public trust in law enforcement. It serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to combat such sophisticated schemes and protect citizens from deception and intimidation.
