In a bizarre incident, a man impersonating a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was arrested in Lucknow on Thursday. The accused, identified as Ravi Kumar, had been posing as a high-ranking police official to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
The Arrest
Acting on a tip-off, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Kumar from a hotel in the Hazratganj area. He was found in possession of a fake identity card, a uniform, and a vehicle with a beacon light, all resembling those of a senior IPS officer.
Modus Operandi
According to police officials, Kumar would approach businessmen and government officials, claiming to be a senior IPS officer from the state’s intelligence department. He would then demand money in exchange for favors or threaten them with false cases.
Police have recovered several mobile phones, SIM cards, and documents from his possession, which indicate he had been running this racket for at least six months. Investigations are underway to identify his accomplices and other victims.
Previous Cases
This is not the first such case in Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, a similar impersonation racket was busted in Noida, where a man had been posing as a senior police officer for over a year. The latest arrest has raised concerns about the ease with which individuals can impersonate law enforcement officials.
The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating, impersonation, and criminal intimidation. He will be produced in court on Friday.
