A shocking case has emerged where a 69-year-old man from Delhi, Anil Katyal, posed as a retired IPS officer to manipulate government officials and get work done in exchange for monetary benefits. Katyal, a resident of Greater Kailash-1, was arrested after he attempted to intervene in a fraud investigation involving his businessman friend Vinod Kapoor, claiming to be an advisor to the Union Home Ministry.
The Con Unveiled
Katyal claimed he was a 1979 batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre, having served in roles like Director General of Police and Intelligence Bureau officer. His fabricated credentials also included being a college senior of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, a narrative he allegedly used to gain access to high-level officials.
Katyal reportedly misused his network of contacts from St Stephen’s College, where he studied chemistry, and leveraged his connections from a corporate career that included stints at Hindustan Lever, Yamaha, and Vodafone, where he retired as vice president of corporate affairs.
How He Operated
Police revealed that Katyal conned senior officials across Delhi-NCR and even Dubai, dropping names and misrepresenting himself to influence investigations and obtain favors. In one case, he sought an appointment with the Ministry of External Affairs to advocate for Dubai billionaire Balvinder Singh Sahni, arrested for massive fraud. Evidence suggests Katyal demanded money from Sahni in exchange for his so-called “help.”
According to Additional Police Commissioner Dinesh P of Ghaziabad, Katyal often pressured junior officers and even arranged security during state visits. His overconfidence led to his downfall when he insisted on a photograph with a senior Ghaziabad police official, raising suspicions. An online search confirmed there was no record of him in the 1979 IPS batch.
The Arrest
Katyal was arrested along with Kapoor, who owns a construction company previously involved in projects at Delhi airport and Gwalior airbase. Kapoor faced charges in a fraud case in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram, and Katyal tried to protect him by threatening officers and claiming wrongful arrest.
The two are now charged with cheating, obstructing public servants, and extortion. Police are investigating Katyal’s phone and bank records to uncover the full extent of his activities.
A Puzzling Motive
Despite his seemingly comfortable financial status, owning a bungalow in an affluent Delhi neighborhood, the motive behind Katyal’s cons remains unclear. Authorities suggest a mix of arrogance and an insatiable need for influence might have driven him.
Police Advisory
The senior officer who exposed Katyal warned the public against such impostors, emphasizing that no former IAS or IPS officer would use threats or support criminal activities.
When questioned by the media, Katyal remained evasive, stating, “I don’t know what I am,” further underscoring the brazen nature of his deception.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against fraudulent practices, even by individuals with seemingly impeccable credentials.
Sources By Agencies
