Mumbai Crime Branch Books Doctor in Impersonation Case Linked to Union Home Minister's Office
In a significant development, the Mumbai Crime Branch has formally booked Dr. Asmita Sarang, a medical practitioner residing in Grant Road, nearly a month after arresting a Navi Mumbai resident who allegedly impersonated an IAS officer attached to the office of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This case revolves around attempts to influence police officers during the execution of an arrest warrant against Dr. Sarang in a cheque-bounce matter.
Impersonation and Influence Attempts Uncovered
The arrested accused, identified as Mohammed Munir Pathan (42) from Vashi, is alleged to have posed as "IAS officer Pawan Kumar Yadav, PS to Amit Shah" and contacted a Delhi police constable to pressure him against taking action against Dr. Sarang. According to a senior police officer, "We have served a notice to Dr. Asmita Sarang under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNSS), applicable when an arrest is not required for offences punishable with less than seven years."
Investigations have revealed that Pathan procured a SIM card using an acquaintance's identity, paying Rs 3,000 for it, to make the threatening calls. The crime branch is also probing whether Pathan attempted to influence two deputy police commissioners (DCPs) in the registration of an FIR in an unrelated case. From his call detail reports, it was learned that Pathan was in touch with these DCPs, and an FIR for cheating has been registered separately. The senior officer added, "It is not clear whether Pathan impersonated Shah's personal secretary and influenced one of the DCPs to register a separate FIR or if the FIR was registered in the natural course of events."
Background of the Case and Arrest
The incident traces back to March when Hanumantu Raju, attached to the Connaught Place police station in Delhi, came to Mumbai to execute a bailable warrant issued against Dr. Sarang in a cheque dishonour case. Shortly after Raju contacted the doctor, he allegedly received a threat call from the impersonator. Following a complaint, the case was transferred to the crime intelligence unit of the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Pathan was subsequently traced and arrested under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita for cheating and impersonation, as well as under the Information Technology Act. Additionally, crime branch officers discovered a company registered in the names of both Pathan and Dr. Sarang, which is now under investigation to determine any further connections or illicit activities.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The Mumbai Crime Branch continues to delve deeper into this complex case, examining all angles including the potential misuse of authority and the extent of the impersonator's network. Authorities are scrutinizing the relationships between the accused parties and any possible collusion in obstructing legal processes.
This case highlights serious concerns about impersonation and attempts to manipulate law enforcement, prompting a thorough review of protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The police are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all involved parties are held accountable under the law.
