How J&K cops called conman’s bluff who posed as PMO official in Srinagar, enjoyed 5 star hotel stay

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How J&K cops called conman’s bluff who posed as PMO official in Srinagar, enjoyed 5 star hotel stay

Srinagar police was informed about the visit of senior PMO officer last month but on second visit, the intel agencies got activated and an alert was issued to police.

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March 17, 2023 13:07 IST
How J&K cops called conman’s bluff who posed as PMO official in Srinagar, enjoyed 5 star hotel stay
How J&K cops called conman’s bluff who posed as PMO official in Srinagar, enjoyed 5 star hotel stay

New Delhi: Kiran Bhai Patel, an imposter from Gujarat who took the Jammu & Kashmir administration for a ride and availed all facilities as provided to a high-ranking official in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), was caught on Thursday and put behind bars.

The conman introduced himself as Additional Director in the PMO, while on a visit to Srinagar and enjoyed top class facilities ranging from Z-plus security cover, bulletproof Mahindra Scorpio to accommodation at a five-star hotel & more.

How Kiran Patel duped J&K officials

Kiran Patel was arrested by the J&K police night and was sent to judicial custody by a magistrate. Here is how he managed to duped the officials with his fake identity.

The Gujarat conman not just availed all official services but was also accompanied to border areas & scenic hilly terrains of the region in full police protection. The FIR lodged against him at Nishat Police station states that “he indulged in activities within the jurisdiction of this police station & other parts of valley.”

He was accorded government hospitality on all his visits since last October, however, what made him fall under suspicion was his quick visit to the valley within 15 days.

Srinagar police was informed about the visit of senior PMO officer last month but on second visit, the intel agencies got activated and an alert was issued to police. A team of Gujarat police were also roped in and following investigation & verification of the imposter, he was arrested from Hotel Lalit in Srinagar, from room No 1107.

Following the conman’s arrest, two police officials have been also penalized for negligence on duty and for failing to raise alarm on time.

How he conned & why suspicion arose

During his Srinagar stay, Patel told officials that he was in the valley to survey apple orchards so that legitimate buyers could be made available. He was also dropping names of high-ranking bureaucrats from the national capital, hence the local IAS officers didn’t get wary of him.

The first point of suspicion arose, when he arrived at Srinagar airport on March 2. Since, there was no prior information of any VIP movement on that day, the security agencies wanted to enquire from him at the airport only but by that he stepped into the bullet-proof car and left for hotel.

Who is Kiran Bhai Patel?

Kiran Bhai Patel describes himself as a PhD graduate from Virginia University & MBA from IIM Trichy. On his Twitter timeline, he calls himself a thinker, strategist, analyst & campaign manager. He has more than a thousand followers.

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