Fake CISF officer arrested in Ahmedabad for airport job, iPhone scam
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has arrested a Punjab resident accused of impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to allegedly defraud people by promising discounted goods, cheaper iPhones, and lucrative airport jobs. The suspect was apprehended on 10 October 2026 near Palika Bazaar, behind Sardar Baug in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Who Was Arrested and How
The accused has been identified as Azma A Sikandar Mohammad Akhtar Kamboj, a resident of Jamalpura in Malerkotla city, Punjab. According to the Crime Branch, he was found wearing a force T-shirt and carrying a forged identity card describing him as a 'DSP in the CISF Department, Government of India' — credentials that investigators say were entirely fabricated. A case has been registered at Karanj police station under Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which deals with impersonating a public servant.
The Alleged Modus Operandi
During questioning, Kamboj reportedly stated that he had previously worked as a casual labourer, mechanic, and in other occupations after completing his studies in Malerkotla. He allegedly exploited his fake CISF identity to lure victims with promises of walnuts and kerosene from Kashmir at below-market prices, discounted goods from army canteens, iPhones at reduced rates, and airport job placements. He allegedly collected payments both in cash and through online bank transfers.
Notably, investigators found that bank accounts belonging to other individuals, a travel agency, and a petrol pump had allegedly been used to receive the fraudulent payments — raising the possibility of a wider network. The Crime Branch has said the accounts, transactions, and possible involvement of additional persons are under examination.
Admissions and Seized Evidence
Kamboj allegedly admitted in his statement that he failed to deliver the promised goods to several victims and spent the collected money on personal expenses. Police have seized a fake CISF identity card, a PAN card, an Aadhaar card (details withheld), ₹1,120 in cash, and a mobile phone valued at ₹10,000. The total value of seized items stands at ₹11,120. The police have cautioned that the allegations and related complaints are being independently verified.
Prior Criminal Record
The Crime Branch also established that Kamboj was already wanted in a 2022 cheating and theft case registered at Mazgaon police station in Jammu and Kashmir under Sections 420, 380, and 201 of the Indian Penal Code — linked to Case No. 08/2022 at the Mazgaon court. This prior case suggests a pattern of fraudulent activity spanning multiple states over several years.
What Investigators Are Doing Next
The Crime Branch is now working to establish the full number of victims, trace all financial transactions, and determine whether complaints or cases have been filed against the accused in other states. The investigation's next phase is expected to clarify the extent of the alleged network and any accomplices involved.