A police action at Namo Ghat in Varanasi has brought a security lapse into focus during the Indian Air Force’s three-day air show, after a man was caught inside a restricted helipad area while claiming to be a senior officer.
The accused has been identified as Arpit Chaturvedi, a resident of the Nadesar area of Varanasi. He claimed to be Group Captain Arpit Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force, but verification of military records and the address he provided confirmed that he is not a serving officer at any rank.
Police said Chaturvedi had befriended a real military officer posted in the Cantonment area and used that connection to gain access. He reportedly continued the false identity while speaking with the genuine officer. When police stopped him near the helipad, he tried to intimidate them by asserting the rank he had claimed, though officers noted that neither his appearance nor his conversation matched that of a serving military officer.
How the arrest was made
Namo Ghat police post in-charge Chandan Kumar, who was on patrol with his team as part of the security arrangements ahead of Air Show-2026, received information about a suspicious person in the restricted zone. The team detained him, questioned him, and checked the details he had given. Adampur police station registered a case on the basis of Kumar’s complaint and later submitted the challan.
Station in-charge Vimal Mishra said Chaturvedi admitted that he had come to Namo Ghat to watch the air show and had used false claims to get in. Additional reports said intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, along with Air Force personnel, were also involved in the questioning.
Air show and security context
The air show was organised by the Indian Air Force as part of its 94th Air Force Day celebrations, with the theme “Wings over Ganga.” The event featured aerial displays by multiple aircraft, and the concluding day drew an estimated large crowd. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and senior military officers were among the dignitaries present.
The Namo Ghat helipad is designated a high-security zone, and the incident has highlighted a breach in access protocols despite the heightened security arrangements. Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine how the impersonator reached the restricted area and the full extent of his activities. No other security breaches or injuries have been reported in connection with the event.
