Punjab man posing as DSP arrested in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 08: Srinagar Police on Thursday apprehended a man allegedly impersonating as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Srinagar.
This is the second incident this year where an individual impersonating a high-ranking official has been arrested.
The incident came to light after locals reported suspicious activities in the area. Acting on these reports, the police swiftly launched an operation and intercepted a Fortuner bearing the registration number PB77-8925. Upon stopping the vehicle, they discovered that the driver, Karanvir Sharma, alias Raninder Pratab Singh, son of Atal Sharma, a resident of Kaddan Tehsil Payal, Ludhiana, was posing as a high-ranking police officer.
Sharma was driving a white Toyota Fortuner equipped with sirens and red flags, resembling an official police vehicle. He was accompanied by Ravinder Singh, son of the late Sardar Lakhvir Singh, a resident of Ferozepur, Punjab. Both men were immediately taken into custody, and the vehicle was seized.
A senior police officer from Srinagar confirmed that a case has been registered against the suspects at Police Station RM Bagh under FIR No. 98/2024, invoking sections 319(2), 49, and 205 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to impersonation, illegal use of government symbols, and related offences. “They were impersonating police officers,” the officer remarked.
The police have initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify any potential connections they may have. Srinagar Police have also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody, and further legal proceedings are underway.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar case earlier this year when, in March, the Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a conman from Gujarat who had been impersonating a high-ranking official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and enjoying Z+ security during his visit to Kashmir.