You may have often seen vehicles with red and blue beacons zipping through the streets under police protection. Now, imagine all that pomp and circumstance being orchestrated by a fraud. Indeed, the Lucknow police apprehended a fake IAS officer who misled the entire system with his deceptive authority and charm for months.
Suspicion Arose Near Kargil Shaheed Park
It is reported that early morning, as Lucknow's Wazirganj police conducted checks near Kargil Shaheed Park, they stopped a black luxury car. The young man in the vehicle tried to intimidate the officers by claiming he was an IAS and could complain directly to the Chief Minister. However, Wazirganj police grew suspicious of his antics. Upon deeper questioning, his facade crumbled, revealing his true identity as Saurabh Tripathi from Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida).
Rode in Defenders and Fortuners
Saurabh possessed luxury cars like Defender, Fortuner, and Mercedes, complete with a chauffeur and the iconic blue beacon, to foster the illusion of being a real officer. A police search uncovered fake documents, counterfeit government passes, and various items linked to VIP protocols from his vehicles.
Attended Major Government Events
Investigations revealed that Saurabh frequently masqueraded as an IAS to attend official programs. He would show up in departmental meetings as an authority figure, pressuring officers and attempting to sway decisions. Suspicious of his behavior, some officials hesitated, yet his assertive demeanor often kept them silent.
Ran Fake Social Media Accounts
The fake IAS, Saurabh, had also weaponized social media. On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), he operated an account named @Saurabh_IAAS, branding himself as "IAS, Uttar Pradesh Government". His page showcased images of various government events, meetings, and voyages. Notably, he posted about events such as the annual Divyang National Dance Ceremony in Patna to solidify his bogus identity.
Strengthened Network Through an NGO
During interrogation, Saurabh revealed that he holds a B.Tech in Computer Science. He established an NGO, which he used as a platform to meet with numerous high-ranking officials and politicians. Gradually, he started presenting himself as an IAS officer, exploiting the system’s flaws to maintain his false image.
Issued Threats to Officials
Sources indicate that Saurabh would often intimidate officers, threatening to escalate issues directly to the Chief Minister if his demands were not met. He organized meetings in hotels, summoning officials to pressure them into altering decisions. Shockingly, several officers fell for his deceit, failing to question his legitimacy.
Commotion Following Arrest
Western Commissioner of Lucknow Police, Vibhuti Srivastava, stated that the investigation is intensifying. Police suspect a larger syndicate operating behind these fake IAS officers. The seized counterfeit documents and vehicles are in custody, and his social media accounts have been deleted.
Interrogations Could Reveal More
The police interrogation is ongoing. Investigators aim to determine the extent of the fake IAS’s participation in government events, encounters with officials, and attempts to influence decisions. They are also scrutinizing the source of funds used to acquire luxury vehicles.
