Bhadrak: In a dramatic case of impersonation, the Bhadrak Rural Police have arrested a man posing as a police and army officer, seizing multiple fake uniforms, badges, and a vehicle bearing police insignia.
The accused, identified as Rahul S. Ranawat, had allegedly been introducing himself as an officer from the police, army, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and even as an ASP in certain places.
According to police sources, a car with a Jharkhand registration number had been parked near a hotel in the district for several days, raising suspicion. When officers initiated an inquiry, they uncovered Ranawat’s elaborate fraud.
The police recovered a Jharkhand-registered car fitted with a police logo and siren lights, a firearm, and numerous uniforms from different forces, including those of the Assam Police and Jharkhand Police. In total, 38 items related to law enforcement—including badges, insignia, and dress materials—were seized from his possession.
Additional SP Arup Abhishek Behera, addressing the media at a press conference, confirmed the arrest and said the accused had been produced in court. “He is a con artist who has been misusing police and army identities. The investigation is underway to trace the extent of his activities and possible links,” Behera stated.
The police have described the case as a rare and novel fraud, underlining the risks posed by impersonators exploiting the trust and authority of uniformed services.
