A luxury car with a
nameplate, exposed by police investigation... This is the startling story of Ritesh Sharma from Kanpur. Having prepared for the SSC exams, his failure to get selected led him to craft a deceptive identity as a tax officer. For about eight months, he feigned authority and influence over everyone, from his family to the locals.
When the police eventually paid a visit and Ritesh's true colors were revealed, his family was devastated to learn that their son was not an officer, but a fraud. A case has been filed against him, and investigations into his bank accounts are underway. Let's uncover how Ritesh maintained his deceitful facade and how he was eventually ensnared by the police.
How was the fraud uncovered?
As Uttar Pradesh preps for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with a strict code of conduct, Kanpur police on a Wednesday evening (April 3rd) ran a checking campaign. It was then that they spotted a black luxury car (Kia Seltos) with bold letters on the front where the license plate should be, declaring 'Government of India and Income Tax Officer'.
Source: aajtak
The moment police signaled the car to stop, the young man in the vehicle began speaking arrogantly, proclaiming himself an officer of the Income Tax Department. Initially taken aback, one officer inquired about his post at the department, which he couldn't answer. Further interrogation revealed his farce, and he was taken to the station. After relentless questioning, the facade fell, and Ritesh Sharma was identified as the culprit.
The ACP of Kalyanpur disclosed that Ritesh's car had a large red plate emblazoned with 'Income Tax Department,' a display not common among real officers, triggering suspicion. Ritesh had also shown a fake ID card. But as police pressure intensified, his claims crumbled.
He deceived his family too
After completing his graduate studies, Ritesh was preparing for the SSC. Failing to secure a job, he lied about his employment status to his parents. He convinced his father that it wouldn't make sense for such a 'senior officer' to travel by bike, which led to him using his father's car, pretending to go to work every day.
Ritesh had been posing as a fake officer for the past eight months
It turned out that for the last eight months, Ritesh had been parading around as a fake income tax officer. He had spun the same web of lies to his family, who swelled with pride believing their son had secured an esteemed position. In their joy, they conducted rituals, feasts, and celebrations. Everyone was under the impression that Ritesh had indeed become an officer. As per reports, Ritesh's father is said to be a wood contractor.
