Maharashtra Busts Massive Impersonation Racket: Fake IAS Officer Kalpana Bhagwat Duped Politicians With Promises of Padma Shri and Rajya Sabha Seats — Financial, Political and Cross-Border Links Exposed
A major investigation in Maharashtra has taken a dramatic turn after police uncovered a large-scale impersonation and financial fraud operated by a woman posing as a senior IAS officer. The accused, Ms. Kalpana Bhagwat, allegedly built an elaborate façade of power, influence, and government connections to deceive politicians, officials and influential individuals.
False IAS Identity Used to Run a High-Value Scam
Police officials revealed that Ms. Bhagwat falsely introduced herself as a Secretary in the Union Ministry of Energy. Using this fabricated identity, she allegedly approached public representatives and influential figures, claiming she had direct access to national honours and high-level political appointments.
According to investigators, she promised Padma Shri awards, Rajya Sabha seats, and other prestigious government opportunities—deals that she used to convince victims to hand over large amounts of money. These promises were entirely fake, but her professional-looking documents and confident presentation helped her maintain the deception for a long time.
Key Accomplice Identified: Former Driver Turned Fraud Partner
The probe has also identified one of her close associates, Mr. Dimpy, who previously worked as the driver of a senior Delhi government official. Investigators say he played an active role by posing as a “coordinator” who could help secure awards and political posts.
He allegedly approached political leaders and promised to “get things done in Delhi,” helping extract money from several individuals across Maharashtra.
Fraud Network Spread Across Multiple Districts
Evidence collected by the police suggests the scam extended across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Hingoli, Amravati, and Ahmednagar districts. One politician from Nagpur was reportedly cheated with the claim that he could obtain a Rajya Sabha seat through her “contacts.”
To maintain transparency in the investigation, authorities have sent notices to 28 people who were in touch with Ms. Bhagwat. The list includes several prominent individuals, including the former Vice Chancellor of Nagpur University, whose statement has already been recorded.
Fake Energy Ministry Letter and Several Forged Documents Recovered
During the investigation, police found a counterfeit letter supposedly issued by the Secretary of the Ministry of Energy. This document appeared to be used for convincing victims that her claims were real.
Officers suspect the fraud may have operated for several years, supported by a network capable of producing high-quality forged government documents.
Suspicious Long Stay in Luxury Hotel Raises New Security Questions
Investigators discovered that Ms. Bhagwat had been living in a luxury hotel in Sambhajinagar for six months, presenting herself as an IAS officer during her stay.
This raised concerns about security risks, especially after officials learned she may have links to Pakistan’s military and contacts in Afghanistan. Some reports also suggest she might have been in Delhi around the time of the Delhi bomb blast, adding a national security angle to the case.
Forged Identity Papers and International Money Transfers Found
When police searched her hotel room, they recovered:
A forged 2017 IAS appointment letter
A suspicious Aadhaar card
Multiple confidential-looking documents
Evidence of foreign money transfers
Investigators uncovered large deposits made to her bank account, including money allegedly sent from Afghanistan by a man identified as Mr. Ashraf Khalil, believed to be close to her. Additional funds reportedly came from Pakistan, transferred by her brother Mr. Aved Khalil.
Huge Financial Clues: Cheques of Rs. 19 Crore and Rs. 6 Lakh Seized
A major breakthrough came when police found:
A cheque worth Rs. 19 crore
Another cheque of Rs. 6 lakh
These discoveries suggest the operation may have involved large-scale financial fraud, possibly extending beyond political circles into international networks.
