Vadodara Man Arrested for Prolonged Police Impersonation Scam
In a significant development in Vadodara, authorities have apprehended a 38-year-old individual accused of masquerading as a police officer to defraud numerous victims over an extended period. The accused, identified as Mobin Saudagar, allegedly operated this elaborate deception for years, with two prior offences already registered against him within the city limits.
Modus Operandi and Financial Deception
According to officials from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Saudagar meticulously posed as a police sub-inspector (PSI) to exploit people's trust. His scheme involved promising to resolve various personal or legal issues in exchange for substantial sums of money, amounting to lakhs of rupees. Police Inspector S D Ratada of the SOG revealed, "By impersonating a PSI, he collected money from victims and assured them of favourable outcomes. We are investigating whether his luxurious bungalow in Tandalja was acquired using illicit funds obtained through these fraudulent activities."
Wide-Ranging Criminal Activities and Arrest
Investigations have uncovered that Saudagar's fraudulent operations were not confined to Vadodara city alone. He was also implicated in multiple cheating cases across Vadodara rural areas and Bharuch district, indicating a broader network of deceit. The arrest was executed last week following a credible tip-off about his ongoing illicit activities, prompting a coordinated police action.
Evidence Seized During Raid
During a thorough raid conducted at his residence and vehicle, law enforcement officers made several alarming discoveries. The seized items included:
- A counterfeit PSI identity card and an authentic-looking police uniform found at his home.
- An air gun, raising concerns about potential intimidation tactics.
- 22 forged stamps replicating various government offices, such as the PSI, Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Gandhinagar, superintendent of police offices in Gandhinagar and Panchmahal, PSI of the Anti-Terrorism Squad, and assistant charity commissioner in Vadodara.
- Multiple fake identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and a driving licence.
- A car suspected to be used in furthering his criminal endeavors.
Targeted Victims and Confession
Police disclosed that Saudagar specifically targeted landowners, particularly in the Bharuch region, by falsely claiming to be a PSI posted in Gandhinagar. This strategic approach allowed him to exploit individuals with property-related disputes or legal concerns. During interrogation, Saudagar reportedly confessed to initiating this impersonation scheme approximately two years ago, admitting that his primary motive was to amass quick wealth through deceptive means.
The case highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating identity fraud and protecting citizens from such sophisticated scams. Authorities continue to probe deeper into the extent of his criminal network and the total financial impact on victims.
