Handwara resident arrested in Odisha for impersonating PMO official, Army doc

Srinagar, Dec 16: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police’s Crime Branch arrested Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, a 37-year-old resident of Handwara, North Kashmir, on the charges of impersonation, cheating, forgery, and alleged links with anti-national elements.
The accused, Ishaan Bukhari and Dr. Ishaan Bukhari, were arrested in the Neulpur area of Jajpur district. Investigations reveal that he had been posing as an official in the Prime Minister’s Office, an Army doctor, and a neuro-specialist doctor. Additionally, he claimed to be a close associate of high-ranking officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The STF, aided by local police officials, conducted a raid on December 15, 2023, resulting in the arrest of Bukhari. Seized during the operation were over 100 documents, including forged medical degree certificates from reputed institutions like Cornel University (USA) and Christian Medical College Vellore. Numerous incriminating materials, such as blank signed documents, ATM cards, Aadhar cards, and blank cheques, were also confiscated.
Bukhari, known for his deceptive prowess, had allegedly married 6-7 women from various parts of India, assuming different personas. He maintained multiple romantic relationships on various websites and apps while impersonating a doctor with international degrees.
Furthermore, investigations uncovered his connections with suspicious individuals in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals. The accused is also wanted by the Kashmir Police about a previous case of cheating and forgery, with a pending non-bailable warrant against him.
This arrest follows a history of deception, as six years ago, Handwara police detained Bukhari for cheating a resident by posing as an Army doctor and NASA scientist. He was subsequently released on bail after spending months behind bars.
The investigation into Sayed Ishaan Bukhari’s intricate web of impersonation and alleged anti-national activities is ongoing.