Bengaluru/Chikkamagaluru: In a shocking case of impersonation, a Karnataka man has been arrested for allegedly posing as an IAS officer, holding meetings with government officials, and even being felicitated at a public event for “clearing the UPSC examination.”
The accused, identified as Mithun C R, was arrested by Bengaluru police following a complaint of cheating and bribery.
Held Meetings with Officials, Claimed Senior Government Post
According to police, Mithun introduced himself as an IAS officer posted at Arogya Soudha, the headquarters of the Health and Family Welfare Department in Bengaluru.
In February 2026, he visited the district hospital in Chikkamagaluru and held meetings with officials, including District Surgeon Dr H B Chandrashekhar.
Investigators revealed that the accused managed to gain the trust of officials and interacted with them as a senior bureaucrat.
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Promised Tender, Demanded Bribe
During his visit, Mithun allegedly promised a medicine supply tender to a local shop owner. He reportedly demanded a bribe in return for facilitating the deal.
The medical shop owner later filed a complaint with the police in Bengaluru, leading to the arrest of the accused.
Police have also found that Mithun allegedly took money from the district surgeon, claiming that he had not received his salary.
Felicitated for ‘Clearing UPSC’ at Public Event
In a startling revelation, Mithun was felicitated at a public programme—Basava Thattva Samavesha—organised by a local religious body in February.
He was introduced on stage as someone who had cleared the UPSC examination in 2023 and joined the prestigious IAS, a claim that later turned out to be false.
The felicitation was conducted by Shivamurthy Shivacharya Swamy, associated with Sirigere Mutt.
Organisers Say They Were Misled
Responding to the controversy, Basava Marulasidda Swamy stated that the organisation had relied on information provided by others.
He admitted that the institution had been misled and expressed regret over the incident. “We trusted the people who informed us. Now it appears many were fooled,” he said, adding that stricter verification would be ensured in the future.
Demand for Wider Investigation
The case has triggered demands for a broader investigation. Advocate Sangeetha Prasad called for a detailed probe and urged authorities to examine the role of all individuals present during the alleged bribery transaction.
She pointed out that the complaint suggests the bribe was paid in the presence of officials, raising questions about accountability.
Police Investigation Underway
The police have registered a case of impersonation and cheating and are continuing their investigation. Authorities are probing the extent of the fraud, including how the accused managed to deceive officials and gain access to government offices.
Conclusion
The incident highlights serious lapses in verification and due diligence within administrative and public platforms. The case has raised concerns over how easily individuals can exploit the credibility of civil services to deceive both officials and the public.
