J&K orders probe into Gujarat 'conman' posing as PMO official

Srinagar: Nearly a month after an alleged conman from Gujarat Kiran Patel who took the security apparatus here for a ride, the J&K government has ordered a high level inquiry to look for “lapses”.

The probe would be conducted by Kashmir’s Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to appointment of Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir as inquiry officer to inquire into the various aspects related to visits of Shri Kiran Patel to Kashmir during the past months and security arrangements made thereof,” the order by Financial Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary read.

The inquiry officer has also been asked by the government to look into the lapses on part of officers.

“The Inquiry Officer shall identify the lapses on part of the Officers/ Officials concerned and submit a detailed report within one week,” the order said.

Patel, who was impersonating as an Additional Director for strategy and campaigns in the Prime Minister's Office, was arrested in Srinagar on March 3 from a luxurious hotel. His arrest was kept under wraps for over a week.

Police later said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) wing on March 2 informed police about the arrival of an impersonator in Kashmir.

After the arrest, J&K Police registered a case against Patel for cheating, forgery and impersonation. They also questioned Patel’s two associates Amit Pandya and Jay Sitapara from Gujarat.

The imposter, Patel, also held a series of meetings with J&K officials during his two visits to Srinagar earlier this year. Many of his videos traveling to various places escorted by the paramilitary and the police surfaced in his social media handles.

There have been questions about how Patel managed to hoodwink the Jammu & Kashmir police and administration by introducing himself as a PMO official as there is a laid protocol for getting security. (UNI)