Engineering Graduate Impersonates IAS Officer
Lucknow police on Wednesday arrested Saurabh Tripathi, a 36-year-old engineering graduate, who posed as an IAS officer after failing to clear the UPSC exams twice.
Tripathi, originally from Mau district and residing at Shalimar OneWorld apartments in Gomtinagar extension, was stopped during a vehicle check near Kargil Park.
During the inspection, he introduced himself as an IAS officer, flashed a forged identity card, and even attempted to intimidate police by dropping names of senior bureaucrats.
Investigators said that Tripathi went to extreme lengths to pass off as a senior officer. He created a fake NIC email ID, carried forged visiting cards, and even attended official events to mingle with top officials.
Fake IDs, Forged Passes, and Luxury Cars Seized
Police searched his residence and made shocking discoveries. Officers seized six luxury cars, each fitted with red and blue beacon lights. The cars carried fake secretariat passes and forged number plates, giving them the look of government vehicles.
A large cache of forged documents, multiple Aadhaar and driving licences with mismatched details, debit cards, and visiting cards was also recovered. Police also found a laptop, beacon lights, and ₹11,097 in cash.
“Tripathi used forged passes and IDs to enjoy government protocol privileges, extract money, and access facilities across states,” said SHO Wazirganj, Rajesh Kumar Tripathi.
The accused often projected himself online as a senior IAS officer. He also posed for photographs with bureaucrats at public events to strengthen his credibility.
Motive Behind the Impersonation
Investigators revealed that Tripathi’s plan to impersonate an IAS officer began after repeated failure in the UPSC civil services exam.
“Unable to clear the exam, he decided to impersonate what he could not become,” said a senior police officer.
Authorities believe that he used the fake identity not only to enjoy privileges but also to extract financial benefits and influence. His activities extended beyond Lucknow, raising suspicions that he may have misled people in multiple states.
FIR Registered, Further Probe Underway
Police have registered a case under relevant sections at Wazirganj police station. Further investigation is ongoing to determine whether Tripathi had accomplices or links with organized networks producing forged IDs.
The case has raised fresh concerns about fake identity crimes, especially those targeting high-profile government positions. Authorities said they are examining how Tripathi managed to procure official-looking IDs, passes, and beacons without being caught earlier.
The incident also highlights the pressures of competitive exams in India, where many aspirants spend years preparing but fail to clear the UPSC civil services test. In some cases, desperation has pushed individuals into unlawful activities.
Broader Crackdown on Fake Officials
This case is not the first in Uttar Pradesh. Police have previously caught individuals posing as senior police and administrative officers to access restricted facilities.
Officials said strict verification drives are being conducted across the state to detect and deter such impersonators. Residents have also been urged to report suspicious individuals claiming government ranks without proper verification.
The Lucknow police assured that Tripathi will face strict legal action, and efforts are underway to identify anyone who may have benefitted from his impersonation.