New Delhi | Delhi Police has arrested a 43-year-old man accused of allegedly cheating multiple people of nearly ₹60 lakh by posing as an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and promising government jobs as well as land allotments under official schemes. Investigators claim the accused projected himself as a senior government officer with influential connections and used that image to gain the confidence of victims before collecting large sums of money.
According to investigators, the accused has been identified as Pawan Kumar Pandey alias Varun Kumar Pandey, a resident of Delhi’s Gandhi Vihar area. He allegedly introduced himself as a senior Uttar Pradesh government official and assured people that he could secure government employment opportunities and facilitate allotment of plots in Noida through official channels.
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The case came to light after a complaint was filed in March 2026. The complainant alleged that the accused introduced himself as “Varun Kumar Pandey, ADM, Uttar Pradesh” and claimed to have strong influence within government departments. Based on these representations, several individuals were allegedly persuaded to part with substantial amounts of money in the belief that they would receive government jobs or land allotments.
As the investigation progressed, police found indications that the total amount involved in the alleged fraud could be around ₹60 lakh. A case was subsequently registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and a detailed investigation was launched. Officials said the arrest was made following technical surveillance, digital analysis and examination of financial records.
During searches and inquiries, investigators reportedly recovered multiple forged identity cards, visiting cards and other documents allegedly used by the accused to portray himself as a government officer. Police also collected electronic evidence, including WhatsApp conversations, audio recordings, screenshots and other digital records that are expected to play an important role in the case.
Officials stated that these materials suggest the accused had created an elaborate false identity and used it over an extended period to convince victims of his credibility. Investigators are examining whether the same identity was used in additional cases that may not yet have been reported to authorities.
The financial trail has emerged as a key part of the investigation. Police have scrutinized bank accounts and UPI transactions to track the movement of funds allegedly received from victims. According to investigators, money was routed through various accounts before reaching the accused. Authorities have also identified a car and a scooter that are suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from the alleged fraud.
One of the most significant findings in the case relates to the alleged misuse of the identity of a real government officer. During verification, police contacted the actual administrative officer whose name and designation were allegedly being used by the accused. Investigators concluded that the officer’s publicly available photographs and professional details had been exploited to make the impersonation appear genuine and convincing.
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted that he had been presenting himself as an administrative officer for several years. Investigators claim he used forged documents and references to influential officials to build trust among prospective victims. He is also suspected of relying on intermediaries to approach individuals and collect money on his behalf.
Police sources indicate that the accused’s name has surfaced in connection with an earlier criminal case registered several years ago. Authorities are now examining whether there is a broader network involving associates, middlemen or additional beneficiaries connected to the alleged scheme.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters frequently exploit the public’s trust in government institutions by falsely claiming access to senior officials or recruitment processes. He advised citizens to independently verify any claims related to government jobs, land allotments or official benefits through authorized government channels before making payments.
Investigators are continuing to identify additional victims, examine financial transactions and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud. Officials believe that further disclosures may emerge as the probe progresses and more individuals come forward with information.
