Hyderabad: Man arrested for posing as IAS, IPS, NIA officer to cheat citizens

A Hyderabad man, Bathini Shashikanth, was arrested for impersonating IAS, IPS, and NIA officers to cheat citizens. He allegedly extorted Rs 10.5 lakh from Gold Gym’s MD using forged documents, bodyguards, and fake IDs. Two associates remain absconding

Hyderabad: A man who allegedly posed as senior IAS, IPS and NIA officers for over two years to cheat citizens and extort money was arrested by the Film Nagar Police on Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as Bathini Shashikanth (39), projected himself as a high-ranking official, claiming to be a Deputy Commissioner in the Mines Department and, at times, an IPS or NIA officer. Two of his associates, Praveen and Vimal, are currently absconding.

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According to the police, to bolster his fake identity, Shashikanth had allegedly created forged government ID cards, visiting cards, and official documents.

“He even hired two armed bodyguards from Tamil Nadu, used walkie-talkies and fitted police sirens to a private vehicle to appear authentic,” said a senior police official.

Police said Shashikanth has recently cheated Ali Hassan, Managing Director of Gold Gym, by promising help in securing industrial land through the TSIIC. Using a forged land allotment letter, he allegedly collected Rs 10.5 lakh through bank transfers, UPI payments and cash and went absconding.

Based on a complaint, the Film Nagar police booked a case and arrested Shashikanth from Shaikpet. Officials seized 2 mobile phones, 6 SIM cards, 2 walkie-talkies, a fake ID card and other material. The Police requested citizens not to fall prey to individuals claiming undue government influence and to report such suspicious activity immediately.