The rising trend of individuals impersonating government officials has once again made headlines as Mehul Shah, a con artist, was apprehended by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for orchestrating a series of elaborate frauds. Shah allegedly posed as an IAS officer, using his fake identity to deceive citizens, school authorities, and even government officials.
Shah first targeted a travel business owner in Ahmedabad’s Paldi area, convincing him to rent two Innova cars under the pretext of government work. Equipped with fake government letters, he installed sirens and curtains in the vehicles, using them to gain credibility while executing his fraudulent activities.
Shah’s most audacious scam occurred at Vishwavidyalay School in Asarva, where he presented himself as a high-ranking central government official and a scientist. Shah regularly visited the school for two months, claiming he intended to purchase the institution for ₹35 crores. During his visits, he interacted with students and staff, promising to modernize the school and build a sports academy. To secure funds, he collected money from students to organize trips and establish new facilities.
Shah even conducted an award ceremony at the school, inviting Ahmedabad District Education Officer (DEO) Rohit Chaudhary as the chief guest. Shah convinced the DEO and school authorities of his authenticity, leveraging his fabricated identity, further solidifying his position.
Beyond the school, Shah used his fake IAS credentials to defraud multiple individuals. In Morbi, he issued counterfeit job appointment letters, purportedly from the Ahmedabad District Education Office, and collected lakhs of rupees by promising government jobs.
During his time at Vishwavidyalay School, Shah claimed to have purchased another school in Ahmedabad for ₹150 crores and promised to transform it into a state-of-the-art institution. He also sold old laboratory furniture under the pretense of constructing a new science lab and issued fake job appointments to his associates.
The school’s trustee, Dahyabhai Patel, revealed that Shah had convinced them to enter into a deal to sell the school for ₹35 crores, promising payment after selling a tea estate in South India. Shah also borrowed ₹10 lakh from the trustees under the pretext of securing accommodation in Ahmedabad. Suspicion arose when Shah abruptly stopped visiting the school, prompting authorities to report the matter to the Crime Branch.
Over the past two months alone, 19 fake officials have been apprehended across Gujarat, highlighting a disturbing trend of fraudulent activities targeting both individuals and institutions.
Ahmedabad Crime Branch officials have confirmed Shah’s arrest and are investigating further to uncover the full extent of his scams. Authorities have urged citizens to verify credentials thoroughly before engaging with individuals claiming to hold government positions.
This latest case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in an era where impersonation crimes are on the rise.
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