Under heightened security due to escalating Indo-Pak tensions, Delhi Police officers stationed at a routine checkpoint in the Outer Circle of Connaught Place made a startling discovery late Saturday night. Around 11:30 PM, a white SUV bearing a Uttar Pradesh numberplate and suspicious red blinkers was flagged down by officers during inspection. To their surprise, the vehicle bore a red plastic plate with the insignia of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the windshield — a clear red flag in a high-security zone.
Inside the vehicle were five individuals. One among them — later identified as Utkarsh Shukla, a 21-year-old resident of Lucknow — introduced himself confidently as an Assistant Central Intelligence Officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). His identity was backed by an ID card mentioning his jurisdiction as “all over India.” Accompanying him were two supposed bodyguards and a ‘friend,’ all of whom maintained the charade with rehearsed responses.
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Investigation Unravels Elaborate Impersonation Plot
Delhi Police, suspecting foul play, subjected the ID card to verification, which quickly exposed it as a forgery. Under questioning, Shukla admitted that the ID card was fake and that he had created it merely to “show off.” He also confessed to not having any affiliation with the MHA or Intelligence Bureau. A subsequent search of his belongings revealed yet another forged ID — this time posing as a station master for Indian Railways.
Further investigation revealed that the SUV had been rented in Lucknow, and the driver was unaware of the impersonation drama unfolding around him. The vehicle was found to be fitted with a siren, blinker, and hooter — modifications that are illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Seizures, Charges, and Legal Action Initiated
The police promptly seized:
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The SUV and all illegal attachments
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The fake identity cards
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Electronic devices including Shukla’s mobile phone and laptop
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A case has been registered against Shukla and his three associates under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
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Section 204 – Personation of a public servant
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Section 336(3) – Forgery
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Section 340(2) – Using forged documents as genuine
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Section 3(5) – Common intention
Additionally, they have been booked under Sections 39 and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act for the illegal modification of the vehicle.
Security on Edge in National Capital
This incident comes at a time when security in Delhi is at its highest, following fresh Indo-Pak tensions. Delhi Police sources confirmed that recent internal meetings have emphasized the need to crack down on impersonators, especially those masquerading as intelligence or security officials. Such breaches pose a significant risk amid ongoing threats and are being treated with utmost seriousness. A senior officer remarked, “In today’s security landscape, anyone trying to pose as an intelligence official is a serious concern. This could have gone very wrong.”