Etawah, UP: In a dramatic turn of events, Etawah police have arrested two men — including a fake IAS officer — involved in a daring highway robbery on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway. The key accused, Amar Pandey, who falsely posed as an SDM posted in Shamli district, was arrested along with his accomplice Ramadhin. The two were caught in possession of illegal firearms, forged documents, and a Scorpio SUV displaying “Government of India” and “Magistrate” insignia.
Robbery Unfolded on Expressway; Victim Dumped at Night
The incident dates back to July 10, when Rampravesh Yadav, a resident of Azamgarh, booked a Scorpio via a ride-hailing app in Lucknow. Another man, already seated in the vehicle, appeared to be a co-passenger. However, at around 2:00 AM on July 11, near Kilometre 105 on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Yadav was held at gunpoint, thrown out of the car, and robbed of his mobile phone, ATM card, Aadhar card, and ₹4,500 in cash.
Shortly after, he was spotted by Saifai police during routine patrol. His account prompted officers to begin an intensive investigation.
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Breakthrough Through CCTV & Call Tracing
Police began tracking the Scorpio using CCTV footage and traced its movement between Etawah and Lucknow. During the investigation, officers received an unexpected call from someone claiming to be SDM Amar Pandey from Shamli, urging them to release the seized car, stating it was his government vehicle.
Suspicious of the sudden intervention, Saifai police invited Pandey to the police station. Upon arrival, his claims unraveled under strict questioning. Further verification revealed that no such IAS officer existed, and no such appointment had been made in the 2022 UPSC batch.
Fake Identity, Forged Documents, and Illegal Arms
The accused, Amar Pandey, originally hails from Belwa Vinhoni Bhikhapur village in Balrampur district. He told police he had been preparing for UPSC exams in Delhi but failed. Frustrated, he fabricated a fake appointment letter, bought a Scorpio, and began masquerading as an IAS probationer.
He exploited this false identity to avoid toll taxes, pose as SDM, and even use it as a front for robbery. He had written “Government of India” and “Magistrate” on his vehicle to deceive toll personnel and victims.
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From the vehicle, police recovered:
- Two illegal pistols (.315 bore)
- Two live cartridges
- Forged documents including a fake UPSC appointment letter
- Cash amounting to ₹4,000
- Scorpio vehicle (UP32PT0932) used in the robbery
- Police Commended for Swift Action
On Thursday morning, based on a tip-off, a joint team of Saifai police, SOG, and surveillance unit intercepted the duo near Havera bypass. During interrogation, both accused confessed to the crime.
Etawah SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava stated that this was their first recorded offence and that no prior criminal history has been found. The two have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, and have been sent to jail.
The police team involved in the arrest has been awarded a ₹15,000 reward for their prompt and effective action.
