Fake NIA officer arrested in Bhubaneswar for fabricating assault case
Synopsis
A Delhi man posing as a senior NIA officer was arrested in Bhubaneswar after police found he had not only fabricated his federal identity but had also coached a woman into filing a false sexual assault complaint — using a fake NIA ID card, logo T-shirt, and forged documents to manipulate an active police investigation.
Key Takeaways
Ashish Reddy (45) of Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi was arrested in Bhubaneswar on 22 May for impersonating an NIA officer.
He allegedly pressured investigating officials and drafted a fabricated sexual assault complaint on behalf of a woman he knew.
The NIA confirmed Reddy had no association with the agency; he used fake credentials and a forged identity card.
The complainant admitted the allegations of abduction and assault were false , filed under Reddy's influence following a personal dispute.
Police seized a fake NIA ID card , NIA-logo T-shirt, vehicle, mobile phones, weapons, and other items from the accused.
Reddy has been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act ; further probe into his antecedents is ongoing.
Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police on Friday, 22 May arrested Ashish Reddy (45), a resident of Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, for allegedly impersonating a senior officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and manipulating a woman into filing a fabricated sexual assault complaint. The arrest followed a multi-stage investigation that exposed both the fake identity and the manufactured nature of the original case.
How the Impersonation Unfolded
The case began when a woman lodged a complaint at Kharavel Nagar police station alleging she had been abducted and sexually assaulted by unknown persons inside a vehicle near Puri-Konark Road in April. During investigation, officers discovered that Reddy — known to the complainant — had introduced himself as a senior NIA officer and was actively interfering in the probe.
Reddy allegedly pressured investigating officials and played a central role in drafting the woman's complaint. The false FIR was initially submitted at Infocity Police Station before being transferred to Kharavel Nagar police station. A verification check with the NIA confirmed that Reddy had no association with the agency and had been using fake credentials to pose as an officer.
Complaint Found to Be Fabricated
During further questioning, the complainant admitted that the allegations of abduction and sexual assault by unknown persons were fabricated. She told police that the complaint had been drafted under Reddy's influence, stemming from a personal dispute with a friend. Investigators also found that Reddy had initially approached the woman on the pretext of helping her, and subsequently allegedly sexually exploited her.
Items Seized, Charges Filed
Police seized a fake NIA identity card, a T-shirt bearing the NIA logo, a vehicle, mobile phones, weapons, and other items from the accused. Reddy has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said further investigation is underway to verify Reddy's antecedents and establish whether he may be linked to similar cases elsewhere. The incident raises serious concerns about the misuse of federal agency identities to manipulate local law enforcement processes — a pattern that investigators say warrants deeper scrutiny.
Point of View
Impersonators will continue to exploit the reputational weight of central agencies to interfere in state-level investigations with minimal friction.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ashish Reddy and why was he arrested in Bhubaneswar?
Ashish Reddy, a 45-year-old resident of Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi, was arrested on 22 May by Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police for allegedly impersonating a senior NIA officer and influencing a woman to file a fabricated sexual assault complaint. The NIA confirmed he had no connection to the agency.
What was the fabricated complaint about?
The woman had lodged a complaint alleging abduction and sexual assault by unknown persons near Puri-Konark Road in April. She later admitted to police that the allegations were false and had been drafted under Reddy's influence following a personal dispute with a friend.
What evidence did police recover from the accused?
Police seized a fake NIA identity card, a T-shirt bearing the NIA logo, a vehicle, mobile phones, weapons, and other items from Reddy. These items were used to support his false claim of being a senior federal officer.
What charges has Ashish Reddy been booked under?
Reddy has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Police said further investigation is underway to verify his background and any possible involvement in similar cases.
How did police discover the NIA impersonation?
During the investigation into the original complaint, officers found that Reddy was known to the complainant and was actively interfering in the probe. A verification check directly with the National Investigation Agency confirmed he was not associated with the organisation and had been using fake credentials.
