Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Cidco police on Tuesday secured three days of extended police custody for Afghan national Ashraf Khil, Dimpy Harjai, and Dattatraya Shete, key associates of alleged IAS impersonator Kalpana Bhagwat, in what investigators describe as a widening impersonation and cheating racket. Judicial Magistrate First Class S. D. Javalgekar granted the extension after police sought more time for custodial interrogation.
Police: Trio Handled Money Collection, Fake Documents & Target Lists
According to investigators, the three accused worked closely with Kalpana Bhagwat, who falsely portrayed herself as an IAS officer and reportedly cheated multiple individuals by promising high-profile jobs, bureaucratic influence, and access to senior officials.
Police said statements from victims corroborate that Bhagwat, Harjai, and Khil collected large sums of money under fraudulent pretexts. In one incident, Kalpana and Dimpy Harjai allegedly took ₹50,000 in cash from a Delhi resident by claiming she was an OSD who could secure him a job in a multinational company.
Afghan National Collected ₹1.08 Lakh, Promised VIP Guests
During the latest phase of inquiry, police uncovered that Ashraf Khil collected ₹1.08 lakh from another victim, claiming he could arrange VIP guests for the victim’s daughter’s wedding. Investigators said the group used fabricated bureaucratic credentials to gain trust and extract money.
Fake ‘IAS List’ Used to Identify Targets
In court, prosecutor Jarana Durrani and assistant inspector Yogesh Gaikwad stated that Dattatraya Shete played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role by preparing a fake IAS list for Kalpana. The list was allegedly used to shortlist and approach potential victims with false promises.
Police said at least two to three people were cheated using this list, though the actual number may be considerably higher.
Digital Forensics Needed as Data Was Deleted
Although Shete’s mobile phone has been seized, police revealed he had deleted the IAS list, prompting investigators to request additional custody to recover deleted files, analyse communication data, corroborate victim statements, and determine how many such lists Shete created or circulated.
Court Extends Police Custody
After reviewing the prosecution’s arguments, the court granted three days of extended custody for Khil, Harjai, and Shete to facilitate deeper investigation into the multi-layered fraud.
Read also: Sambhajinagar IAS Award Scam: Fake IAS Officers, Agents Arrested; Investigations Underway
