Police in Varanasi arrested a man for allegedly impersonating an Indian Air Force Group Captain after he was found inside the restricted Namo Ghat helipad area during the Air Force’s three-day air show.
The accused was identified as Arpit Chaturvedi, a resident of the Nadesar area of Varanasi. He allegedly claimed to be Group Captain Arpit Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force, but verification of military records and the address provided by him established that he was not a serving officer.
Police said Chaturvedi had entered the high-security area during heightened arrangements for the air show and was moving around the restricted helipad zone when he was stopped for questioning.
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Police Say Accused Used False Rank to Gain Access
According to police, Chaturvedi had befriended a serving military officer posted in the Cantonment area and allegedly used that association while maintaining his false identity.
When police personnel stopped him near the helipad, he allegedly attempted to intimidate them by asserting that he was a Group Captain.
Officers became suspicious because his appearance and conversation did not appear consistent with that of a serving military officer.
Namo Ghat police post in-charge Chandan Kumar, who was patrolling the area with his team as part of security arrangements for Air Show 2026, received information about the suspicious individual.
The police team detained Chaturvedi, questioned him and began verifying his claims.
Military Records Confirmed He Was Not an IAF Officer
Verification showed that Chaturvedi was not serving in the Indian Air Force in any rank.
Adampur police station registered a case on the basis of Kumar’s complaint and subsequently submitted the challan.
Station in-charge Vimal Mishra said Chaturvedi admitted that he had gone to Namo Ghat to watch the air show and had allegedly made false claims about being an Air Force officer to gain entry.
Intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and Air Force personnel, were also involved in questioning him, according to the available information.
Probe Focuses on Access to Restricted Helipad Zone
The incident occurred during the Indian Air Force air show organised as part of the 94th Air Force Day celebrations under the theme “Wings over Ganga.”
The event featured aerial displays by several aircraft and attracted a large crowd on its concluding day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and senior military officers were among the dignitaries present during the event.
The Namo Ghat helipad was designated a high-security zone for the programme.
Police said further investigation is under way to determine how Chaturvedi reached the restricted area and to establish the full extent of his activities. No other security breach or injury has been reported in connection with the incident.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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