Lucknow/Bhaglapur/Gorahpur: Few months ago, an IAS officer of the 2022 batch conducted a surprise inspection in Bhagalpur. The local SDM, unaware of his identity and slightly suspicious, politely asked for his designation. To everyone’s shock, the officer—later revealed as a fraudster—slapped the SDM twice in quick succession, shouting, “Humko nahi pehchante ho?” The SDM, embarrassed and believing him to be genuine, didn’t report the incident. Months later, the truth unraveled when the Gorakhpur Police arrested a fake IAS officer in Lucknow—a man who had duped, threatened, and manipulated officials and businessmen across multiple states.
The Man Behind the Mask: Gaurav Kumar Singh Alias Lalit Kishor
Gaurav Kumar Singh, 27, a mathematics postgraduate from Sitamarhi, Bihar, could not crack the UPSC exams despite years of preparation. Undeterred, he decided on a shortcut to power: if you can’t become an IAS officer the official way, become one illegally. Adopting the alias Lalit Kishor, 2022 batch IAS, he built a sophisticated facade to impersonate a senior officer.
His ruse included traveling in a beacon-fitted white Innova, accompanied by a 15-member entourage including 10 hired gunmen, creating fake files, inspection reports, tenders, and even using AI to produce convincing documents and media clippings. Maintaining this elaborate setup reportedly cost him ₹5 lakh per month.
Months of Deception Across Four States
With his identity seemingly verified, Lalit Kishor began targeting contractors and job-seekers across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Over 40 individuals fell victim to his schemes, paying hefty sums in anticipation of government tenders or job appointments. One businessman reportedly handed over ₹5 crore and two luxury Innova cars for a supposed ₹450-crore tender.
During this period, Lalit also led a dramatic personal life—juggling relationships with four women, three of whom claimed to be pregnant, while also being married to one woman—all under the pretense of being an IAS officer.
The Bhagalpur Incident Revisited
The SDM of Bhagalpur, who had faced Lalit’s aggression months earlier, was shocked when he saw news of the fake IAS officer’s arrest. Only then did he realize that the man who had slapped him and claimed to be an officer was in fact an impostor. This revelation prompted him to finally report the incident.
How the Fraud Was Exposed
The unraveling began during the Bihar assembly elections when a businessman from Mokama was caught at Gorakhpur railway station carrying ₹99.09 lakh in cash intended for Lalit. This led to a thorough investigation, uncovering Gaurav Kumar Singh’s elaborate fraudulent network.
Police reports confirm that Lalit, with the help of his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar, used technology and AI tools to forge appointment letters, tenders, and inspection documents, creating an illusion of authority that deceived both officials and contractors.
Investigations revealed –
- He had duped over 40 victims across four states.
- Promised government jobs, contracts, and tenders in exchange for bribes.
- Lived a high-profile lifestyle with multiple girlfriends and extravagant spending.
- Maintained his fraudulent operation for over a year before being arrested.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Lalit attempted to evade arrest by moving to a rented home in Lucknow’s Aashiana area. A police tip-off, however, led to his capture in Gorakhpur, along with two aides, Parmanand Gupta and Abhishek Kumar, both from Bihar.
Gorakhpur SP Abhinav Tyagi confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with more fake documents and tenders being analyzed. Police have also coordinated with authorities in other states to track and prosecute all aspects of his fraudulent activities.
Background: From Bright Student to Fraudster
Gaurav Kumar Singh hails from Mehasoul village, Sitamarhi district, Bihar. A bright student from the start, he even opened a coaching center, ‘Aditya-50’, to train students for competitive exams. Despite his academic promise, his failure to clear civil services exams in 2022 marked the turning point toward impersonation and organized fraud.
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