The Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a man on March 3 for impersonating an Additional Director for Strategy and Campaigns in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Kiran Bhai Patel, who posed as a senior official in the PMO, held meetings with officials in Jammu and Kashmir since October.
The police stated that Patel had visited various locations in the region, including the Kaman post in Uri near the Line of Control (LOC), before they apprehended him in Srinagar. This was Patel’s third visit to Kashmir valley while impersonating an Additional Secretary in the PMO.
Patel had been enjoying the government’s hospitality and staying in a luxurious hotel room during his visits. He was even assigned a Personal Security Officer (PSO) while pretending to be a senior official in the PMO.
The FIR lodged in Nishant Police Station, Srinagar, stated that Patel “indulged in activities within the jurisdiction of this police station and other parts of Kashmir valley.” The Gujarat Police also assisted in the investigation.
Sources revealed that the CID branch had detected the conman initially, although the State police did not want to speak up. DC of Pulwama district, Basheer Ul Haq, and SP Zulifar Azad were questioned about why the imposter wasn’t identified earlier.
The police have charged Patel with impersonation and other relevant offenses. This incident highlights the need for stricter verification processes and security protocols for individuals claiming to be government officials.