Bareilly: The police have arrested a woman accused of posing as an IAS officer and allegedly cheating unemployed youths by promising government jobs. The accused, identified as Vipra Sharma, was allegedly running a carefully crafted deception from a posh colony, using luxury items, official-looking vehicles and a high-profile image to convince victims that she had strong administrative influence.
Fake IAS Image Built Around Luxury Lifestyle
The case surfaced from Greater Green Park, described as a posh colony in Bareilly where doctors, engineers and senior officials reside. Vipra allegedly projected herself as a “High class” officer and created an atmosphere that made even influential residents believe her claims.
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Police found that parts of the house were designed in a way that raised little suspicion. The report states that Vipra tried to present herself as more powerful than other senior people in the colony. A Honda City car carrying “Uttar Pradesh Sarkar” markings was present, with claims that it was used by her brother Ankit, who allegedly presented himself as a tehsildar. Vipra’s father was reported to be absconding.
Luxury Brands and Official Labels to Impress Victims
Police reportedly found that Vipra had deliberately placed “Uttar Pradesh Sarkar” and “ADM” boards on vehicles. This would make people in the colony notice them and believe she was part of a high-profile administrative circle. Residents told police that her lifestyle appeared comparable to that of a senior minister, which added to her influence.
During the raid, police did not find administrative files at the house, but reportedly found several expensive branded items. The report mentions costly cosmetics, designer shoes and other luxury goods that were allegedly used to strengthen the fake image. Police are now collecting showroom data to determine where these items were purchased from.
Three Sisters Accused of Running Coordinated Fraud
Vipra Sharma and her two sisters, Diksha and Shikha, were arrested. Vipra is described as a PhD holder with double MA in English and Hindi, while Shikha Sharma, 40, is stated to be MA qualified. The youngest sister, Diksha Pathak, 32, is described as a BSc graduate who allegedly helped trap victims by presenting herself as an ordinary person and bringing people to her sister.
Police suspect that the sisters divided their roles within the alleged racket. Diksha allegedly acted as a victim to create trust, Shikha reportedly helped build the environment, and Vipra allegedly posed as the final decision-maker. The report states that a Mahindra XUV 700 and an iPhone recovered from them reflected the lavish lifestyle allegedly built through money taken from others.
Police said Vipra’s story appeared no less dramatic than a film plot. The report states that after clearing PCS pre-qualification in 2016, she got married, but was divorced in 2020. After personal setbacks, she allegedly began posing as a fake ADM and later tried to project herself as an IAS officer. Police said she first used a black car with “Uttar Pradesh Sarkar” and “SDM” written on it, and later an XUV with “Uttar Pradesh Sarkar” and “ADM FR” written on it, creating the impression that she was a serving IAS officer.
