Was a Senior Citizen Impersonating a Colonel Arrested in Punjab?
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Synopsis
A shocking case has emerged in New Delhi where a senior citizen was arrested for defrauding people by posing as a Colonel. This case highlights the lengths one might go to for deception, leaving victims in despair. Read on to uncover the details of this troubling incident.
Key Takeaways
- Impersonation of military personnel is a serious offense that can lead to legal consequences.
- Scammers often target vulnerable individuals, making awareness crucial.
- Law enforcement agencies are utilizing advanced techniques to combat fraud.
- Community vigilance can help prevent such scams.
- Education on recognizing fraud is essential for public safety.
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) A senior citizen was apprehended in a Punjab old-age home for impersonating a Colonel to defraud individuals by promising them jobs in the Army and offering flats through the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO), according to police reports on Sunday.
The suspect, Sitaram Gupta alias Sitaram Singla, aged 77, was evading legal proceedings in a case involving cheating and forgery in Delhi and was arrested on Saturday.
During the interrogation, Gupta disclosed that he had abandoned his family, altered his appearance, and changed his phone number to evade capture by authorities, stated Apooorva Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, Delhi.
Gupta was implicated in a 2007 fraud case linked to the sale of a flat and a shop within the AWHO.
The complaint was filed by Anil Nigam, a bank employee, who reported that Gupta had presented himself as a Colonel stationed in Delhi and offered him a flat promised to be built by the AWHO.
According to the complaint, Gupta also proposed booking a shop under the same scheme and took Rs 56,000 from Nigam.
Disappointed by the lack of results, Nigam lodged a complaint at Vivek Vihar Police Station, leading to a case filed against Gupta for cheating and forgery. Following the investigation, he was arrested but subsequently released on bail.
However, Gupta violated his bail conditions and took residence in an old-age home in Punjab.
Initially, non-bailable warrants were issued against him, but he failed to appear in court, resulting in his declaration as a proclaimed offender.
Police acted on a tip-off about Gupta’s whereabouts at an old-age home in Patiala, Punjab. Utilizing advanced surveillance and human intelligence, a team comprising ASI Sanjeev, ASI Neeraj, HC Mintu Yadav, and HC Sawai from the ARSC, Shakarpur, Crime Branch, successfully arrested him on Saturday.
Born in Mandi Dabwali, Haryana, in 1948, Gupta completed his MA in both History and Economics from Panjab University and was reportedly a student of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
According to police reports, "Sitaram Gupta, having worked as a contractor for the Indian Army, acquired knowledge about various ranks and the recruitment process. He moved to Delhi in 1987, establishing himself as an oil contractor while fraudulently presenting himself as a Colonel, deceiving countless individuals by promising Army jobs."
Gupta was found to be involved in three separate cheating and forgery cases registered at the Shakarpur Police Station and the Crime Branch in Delhi.
Point of View
This incident underscores the pressing issue of fraud targeting vulnerable individuals. It highlights the need for increased vigilance and the importance of educating the public about such scams to safeguard against future occurrences.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sitaram Gupta accused of?
Sitaram Gupta was accused of impersonating a Colonel to defraud people by promising them jobs in the Army and offering them flats through the Army Welfare Housing Organisation.
How did Gupta evade authorities?
Gupta evaded authorities by abandoning his family, changing his appearance, and altering his mobile number to avoid detection.
What was the outcome of Gupta's previous legal troubles?
Gupta was arrested in connection with a fraud case, released on bail, and later violated his bail conditions, leading to his status as a proclaimed offender.
Where was Gupta arrested?
Gupta was arrested in an old-age home located in Patiala, Punjab.
What actions were taken by the police to apprehend Gupta?
The police used advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence to track down Gupta at the old-age home, leading to his arrest.
