A man from Andhra Pradesh was arrested at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) after authorities discovered he was impersonating a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer. This incident has brought to light vulnerabilities associated with matrimonial fraud schemes employing the impersonation of government officials.
The individual, known as Balakrishna Samman, a resident of Srikakulam, was apprehended by CISF personnel, aided by the Quick Reaction Team (QRT), during suspicious activities at the airport. Initial investigations revealed that Balakrishna, who is married with a daughter, was dressed in a full CISF uniform and was seen taking photographs near a washroom in the airport’s C-level area. Upon questioning, he could not provide valid identification or credible information about his affiliation with the CISF, and subsequent verification confirmed he was not a member of the force.
During interrogation, Balakrishna disclosed that he had purchased the uniform to create bogus evidence for a potential marriage proposal. He was involved with a divorcee whose family had insisted on a groom holding a government job. His plan was to send photographs via WhatsApp as evidence of his supposed training with the CISF to gain the family’s approval for marriage. Authorities noted that he specifically chose Hyderabad, anticipating that the verification process would be slower compared to his home state of Andhra Pradesh.
Further analysis of Balakrishna’s mobile phone unveiled hundreds of chat conversations with various women, indicating a methodical approach to deception. Police sources reported that he had crafted fake profiles on matrimonial sites and social media platforms, under the guise of being a CISF personnel or a central government employee. Allegedly, he manipulated over 60 young women into considering marriage proposals under these false pretenses, exploiting their trust in his supposed stable government employment. Investigators suspect that the scam may have included both financial deceit and emotional manipulation, though the full extent remains under investigation.
Authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport have filed a case against Balakrishna under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including impersonation of a public servant, and cheating, among other offences. He has been taken into custody, with a designated officer overseeing the investigation. Efforts are ongoing to identify the potential victims and determine if Balakrishna has a prior criminal record or connections to broader fraudulent schemes.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police at RGIA, V. Sreekanth Goud, highlighted the seriousness of the incident, remarking on the security breach at a high-security international airport. “CISF personnel noticed a man in uniform taking photos, which is unusual. When questioned, he failed to give proper details, and verification confirmed he was impersonating an officer,” he stated. This case serves as a stark example of how individuals exploit uniforms and online platforms to carry out matrimonial fraud.
Authorities warn the public to exercise caution when engaging with prospective grooms on matrimonial websites and to verify credentials through official channels. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected on the accused’s activities and the consequences for affected women.
