Fake IB officer held after years on run
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested a proclaimed offender who had been absconding for years after impersonating an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer to cheat and intimidate people. The accused, identified as Vimal Bhat alias Sonu, was apprehended from the Patparganj Industrial Area in East Delhi on January 29.
Bhat had been declared a proclaimed offender by a Delhi court in connection with a 2017 case registered at Dwarka South police station. He was on the run during the course of the trial and had repeatedly evaded arrest, police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Vikram Singh said the arrest reflects the Crime Branch’s sustained efforts to track down fugitives who misuse Government identity for criminal gain. “The accused deliberately impersonated a senior Government officer to create fear, gain trust and deceive the public. Such acts strike at the credibility of institutions and will be dealt with firmly,” the DCP said.
According to police, the Crime Branch received specific intelligence about Bhat’s movement in the Patparganj Industrial Area. Acting on the input, a police team laid a trap in the area. At around 3.25 pm, the informer identified the suspect, following which he was swiftly apprehended.
Investigations revealed that Bhat had been posing as an IPS officer posted with the Intelligence Bureau. To maintain the facade, he carried a fake IB identity card and moved around in a vehicle fitted with “POLICE” stickers, a siren and a loud hailer. Police said he used these props to project authority, mislead people and intimidate victims.
During the earlier investigation of FIR number 283/2017, police had recovered a fake Intelligence Bureau identity card, a walkie-talkie, police-style accessories, a siren, a loud hailer and documents bearing forged Government credentials from his possession and vehicle.
