A woman who allegedly used a fake diplomatic identity and forged embassy number plates to move freely through high-security and diplomatic zones in the national capital has been arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, officials said. The arrest, made ahead of Republic Day, has raised serious security concerns, with agencies treating the case as sensitive due to the nature of the locations accessed by the accused.
According to police, the woman was arrested on January 15 from the Vasant Vihar area, following sustained surveillance. She had reportedly been moving repeatedly around New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, embassies and other restricted zones, using an Innova vehicle fitted with a fake foreign embassy registration plate.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Surveillance Launched After Intelligence Input
Officials said the Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell of the Crime Branch received specific intelligence inputs indicating that a woman was misusing a vehicle bearing what appeared to be foreign diplomatic number plates to gain unhindered access to sensitive areas.
Taking the input seriously, a dedicated police team was constituted to monitor her movements. Surveillance was intensified in and around Vasant Vihar and nearby diplomatic pockets, where the suspect had been frequently spotted.
During tracking, police learned that the woman had entered B-Block, Vasant Vihar. Officers then placed an Innova car parked in Street B-5 under watch. At around 3:10 pm, as the woman approached the vehicle, unlocked it and attempted to sit in the driver’s seat, the police team intercepted and detained her.
Unable to Name Any Embassy
During initial questioning, the woman claimed to be a representative of a foreign embassy. However, when asked to produce official identification, vehicle documents or even name the embassy she was attached to, she failed to provide any verifiable details.
This immediately heightened suspicion, following which she was taken along with the vehicle to the Crime Branch office for detailed questioning. Her mobile phone was seized, and preliminary checks revealed multiple inconsistencies in her statements.
Admission of Using Forged Diplomatic Plates
During interrogation, the woman admitted that she was using forged foreign embassy number plates. She told investigators that she had purchased the Innova vehicle in November 2024 from a foreign embassy, but had not registered the vehicle in her own name thereafter.
Police said the concerned embassy had already filed a complaint at Chanakyapuri police station regarding the misuse of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the woman had deliberately removed the original embassy number plate and replaced it with a fake plate designed to resemble an official diplomatic registration, allowing her to evade routine police checks and access restricted areas.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two additional forged number plates, further strengthening the case.
Profile of the Accused
According to police records, the accused is a permanent resident of Assam and was currently based in Guwahati. She is a graduate and had been portraying herself as a national-level office bearer of a political party for the past four years.
She also claimed during questioning that she had worked as a consultant with a foreign embassy during 2023–24, earning a monthly salary of ₹1.5 lakh. Additionally, she had previously worked as a sports guide at a private university in Meghalaya and was currently involved in consultancy services for enrolling foreign students, particularly from African countries, into the same university.
These claims are being independently verified, police said.
Security Agencies on Alert
Investigating agencies believe that impersonating a diplomatic representative and gaining access to secure zones is not a routine criminal offence. Police are examining whether the woman’s activities had any larger security implications or links to anti-national or sensitive operations.
A senior officer said the woman’s call records, digital footprint, financial transactions and movement patterns are being closely scrutinised. Inputs are also being shared with other intelligence and security agencies to rule out wider networks or motives.
Next Course of Action
Delhi Police said cases may be registered under multiple sections, including those related to forgery, impersonation, misuse of official identity, and violations of security protocols. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Officials stressed that the arrest is particularly significant as it comes ahead of Republic Day, when security arrangements in the capital are at their highest alert level.
Police said only after completing the investigation will the true intent and extent of the accused’s activities become clear.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
