Lucknow: The arrest of fake IAS officer Saurabh Tripathi in the state capital has taken a dramatic turn, revealing a murky nexus involving contract-based transfer-postings of IAS and IPS officers, fake government seals, and high-value financial transactions.
Police on Friday arrested Gaurav Pandey, a resident of MI Russellcourt, identified as the personal secretary to the impersonator. The probe has now widened to include other accomplices and potential beneficiaries of the fraud, including those in administrative and police circles.
Personal Staff Claimed Ignorance of His Identity
During questioning, both Gaurav Pandey (secretary) and Brij Kumar (driver) maintained they believed Saurabh was a legitimate IAS officer. The driver reportedly received a salary of ₹17,000 and was unaware of the impersonation.
“Saurabh introduced himself as a senior IAS officer. We had no reason to doubt his credentials,” said Gaurav Pandey in his initial statement.
Read also: The Great Pretender: How a Fake IAS Officer Lived a Lavish Life and Fooled Half a Nation
Fake Seals, Secretarial Passes, and Laptops with Sensitive Contacts Seized
Police have recovered multiple fake seals, secretariat passes (including for a Joint Secretary, Government of India), and a laptop containing names and contact details of several senior officials.
In addition to physical evidence, a diary and call records point to Saurabh’s interactions with influential figures across various states. Investigators have also uncovered proof of financial transactions linked to officer promotions and postings.
Used Luxury Cars and Govt Passes to Project Authority
Saurabh was apprehended during a routine check in Wazirganj while driving a luxury car bearing a fake Joint Director, Income Tax pass. Police later seized six luxury vehicles, four of which bore fake secretariat labels.
Sources suggest he used these appearances to gain entry into high-level meetings, secure contracts, and project false influence in bureaucratic and political circles.
Bank Account and Call Detail Records Under Forensic Audit
Police are now scanning multiple bank accounts associated with Saurabh, where transactions worth lakhs of rupees have been detected. Officers are also examining his call logs to identify high-ranking individuals he was in frequent contact with.
A senior investigator confirmed:
“Some call records show extended conversations with individuals holding government positions. We are not ruling out the possibility of collusion.”
Officers Who Partnered With Him May Be Interrogated
With concrete evidence of business dealings between Saurabh and individuals in uniform, the police have indicated that officials who partnered with him or benefited from his services may also be called in for questioning.
Case Background
Saurabh Tripathi was arrested on Wednesday morning (Sept 3) by Wazirganj Police during a routine vehicle check. He was found impersonating a senior government official with falsified documentation, including passes from the Central and State governments.
He had been masquerading as an IAS officer, exploiting the appearance of officialdom with SUV convoys, security personnel, and fabricated designations.
Read also: ‘Take My Visiting Card, I’m an IAS’ – What Happened Next Shocked Lucknow Police
