A 21-year-old man allegedly posing as an Indian Army Brigadier was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district during a covertly articulated operation carried out by Station Headquarters Shahjahanpur and local ex-servicemen. The accused was found dressed as a brigadier and accompanied by associates allegedly impersonating security personnel, prompting further investigation by local police.
According to officials, the operation was conducted on June 12 following intelligence inputs received over the previous two months regarding the movement of a suspected impostor in Shahjahanpur and nearby areas.
The Army said repeated reports had raised concerns about an individual presenting himself as a high-ranking military officer.
Acting on the information, Administrative Commandant of Station Headquarters Shahjahanpur Colonel JS Jaglan worked in coordination with local ex-servicemen to verify the suspect’s identity and organise an operation to arrest him.
As part of the plan, the suspect was invited to a function at the Shaheed Museum under the pretext of felicitating local students.
Officials said the arrangement allowed authorities to confirm his identity without alerting him beforehand.
Upon arrival at the venue, the individual and his associates were identified and taken into custody.
The suspect was identified as Aryan Verma, aged 21. Authorities alleged that he had arrived wearing the uniform of a Brigadier in the Indian Army and was travelling in a Tata Harrier vehicle displaying a one-star plate along with an Army Headquarters flag.
During the operation, officials recovered several items allegedly used to support the impersonation. These included a fake Brigadier identity card, an air pistol, an AMC regimental cane and other articles resembling military equipment and insignia.
Officials further stated that two men accompanying Verma, dressed in black attire, were allegedly posing as National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.
The driver of the vehicle was also found carrying a Government of India identity card, according to the Army’s statement.
Following the detention, Verma, his associates and the recovered materials were handed over to Sadar police station in Shahjahanpur for further legal proceedings and investigation.
In its statement, the Army described the operation as an example of coordinated vigilance by military authorities and veterans.
“The successful operation reflects the vigilance, professionalism and proactive efforts of Station Headquarters Shahjahanpur and the Ex-Servicemen community in safeguarding the dignity and honour of the Armed Forces,” it said.
The statement further added that the incident serves as a reminder that impersonation of military personnel and unauthorised use of military insignia, identity documents and symbols are serious offences that will be dealt with firmly through lawful means.
The Army said it continues to coordinate closely with civil authorities and the veteran community as the investigation proceeds, while police examine the motive behind the alleged impersonation and any possible wider links.
– Ends
With PTI inputs
Published On:
Jun 13, 2026 13:59 IST
