After evading authorities for over half a decade, Dr. Vivek Mishra—who masqueraded as a senior IAS officer—was finally arrested by Lucknow Police near Kamta Bus Station. The arrest marks the culmination of a six-year-long investigation led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), unraveling a sprawling job scam that defrauded more than 150 individuals across several states, with estimated losses totaling ₹80 crore.
Initial Complaint That Sparked the Probe
The fraud came to light in 2019 when Supreme Court advocate Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, a resident of Vikalp Khand, lodged a formal complaint at Chinhat Police Station. He had met Dr. Vivek Mishra in mid-2018 through mutual acquaintances. Mishra introduced himself as a 2014-batch IAS officer posted as Principal Secretary in Gujarat and claimed his sisters were serving IPS officers in the same cadre. These assertions were later proven entirely false.
Digital Deception and Social Engineering
Investigators revealed that Mishra had constructed an elaborate web of deceit using social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. By posing as a high-ranking bureaucrat, he targeted families seeking government jobs or matrimonial alliances. Once he gained their confidence, he demanded large sums of money under the pretense of facilitating job placements or formalizing marriage arrangements.
During the investigation, police recovered forged documents including counterfeit appointment letters for roles such as Public Relations Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sports Quota) in the Gujarat Home Department. These were handed over to Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, who uncovered their fraudulent nature during verification.
A Multi-State Operation with Devastating Impact
The scam extended far beyond Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Mishra’s network spanned multiple states, exploiting the desperation of unemployed youth and their families. Victims were promised secure government positions, only to lose their savings—some amounting to several lakhs or even crores. The operation’s scale and complexity place it among the most audacious impersonation scams in recent memory.
CID’s Persistent Pursuit Pays Off
Since 2019, CID officials had been tracking Mishra’s movements through digital trails and financial transactions. Their sustained efforts finally led to his capture. Authorities are now examining his bank accounts, mobile devices, and other electronic records to identify accomplices and additional victims. Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation deepens.
Systemic Vulnerabilities Exposed
This case has reignited concerns over the misuse of bureaucratic identities for criminal purposes. The impersonation of IAS and IPS officers not only erodes public trust but also exposes loopholes in verification systems—especially in sectors like employment and matrimony. Law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to cross-check official claims through government portals and to report suspicious behavior without delay.
