In a brazen case of deception, the Gujarat University police in Ahmedabad have registered a formal case of impersonation after a man allegedly posed as a police sub-inspector to misuse official machinery for intimidating and extorting money from citizens.
The Suspicious Call That Unraveled the Scam
The complaint was filed following a dubious phone call received by police staff during duty hours on Wednesday. According to Gujarat University Police Inspector Shilpa Bava, the accused, identified as Tarun Brahmbhatt, a 45-year-old farmer from Patan, had a specific modus operandi. He would first target individuals he perceived as wealthy, call them to demand money, and if they resisted, he would then call the police. By the time a police vehicle arrived at the person's residence, the frightened victim would comply and pay him the demanded sum.
"He has been involved in three similar offences reported with the city police earlier," PI Bava stated. Authorities are now investigating to determine the total number of people he may have duped using this frightening tactic.
Detailed Sequence of Events on December 17
The First Information Report (FIR) provides a detailed account of the incident that led to his exposure. On December 17, between noon and 8 pm, personnel at the Gujarat University police station received a call from an operator at Navrangpura police station. The caller informed them that a person identifying himself as PSI Rathod from Mehsana wanted to speak regarding an accused allegedly living in a flat near the Memnagar fire station, which falls under Gujarat University's jurisdiction.
Acting promptly, the university police station operator contacted the provided mobile number. The man, claiming to be PSI Rathod, confirmed whether the address was within their limits and specifically requested that a police vehicle be sent to the location. He also asked the on-duty personnel to share his contact number. A PCR van was immediately dispatched to the spot.
Doubts Arise and the Truth Emerges
However, roughly half an hour later, the police personnel returned with growing suspicions about the caller's identity. They reported that the caller's behaviour and responses during their interaction seemed unusual and raised red flags. A swift verification process was initiated.
The subsequent check revealed a shocking truth: no police officer named PSI Rathod was posted in Mehsana with the mobile number used for the call. It became clear that the caller had falsely identified himself as a police officer, constituting a serious case of impersonating a public servant.
Legal Action Under the New Law
Based on these findings, the Gujarat University police formally registered an offence. The case has been filed under Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deals with impersonation of a public servant. This incident highlights the audacious methods employed by criminals to exploit public trust in law enforcement for personal gain and the vigilance required to thwart such attempts.
