Hyderabad: Fake IAS/IPS Officer Arrested for Cheating and Extortion

Hyderabad, November 26,(Shoukat-PMI NEWS): Film Nagar Police have arrested a white-collar offender, Bathini Shashikanth, 39, for allegedly impersonating senior government officials and cheating unsuspecting citizens over the past two years. A case has been registered under Cr. No. 691/2025 for offences under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(3), 340(2), and 308(2) of the BNS.

According to  Ch. Srinivas, IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, ‘Shashikanth, posed as an IAS officer (Dy. Commissioner, Mines) and, at times, as an IPS or NIA officer to extort large sums of money from the public. His elaborate impersonation involved a range of forged credentials and staged official setups.

Modus Operandi

Investigators found that the accused created a convincing façade of authority by:

• Producing and using fake IAS/IPS/NIA ID cards, visiting cards, and forged official documents.

• Employing two armed bodyguards from Tamil Nadu to appear like a high-ranking official.

• Installing police sirens on a private vehicle and using walkie-talkies to mimic official communication.

• Circulating a forged TSIIC industrial land allotment letter to deceive victims.

Using these tactics, he cheated complainant Ali Hassan, proprietor of Electro Gold Gym, collecting ₹10,50,665 through bank transfers, UPI payments, and cash by falsely promising help in securing industrial land and other official favours. After receiving the payments, the accused went into hiding.

Arrest and Seizures

On November 25, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, Film Nagar Police conducted a swift operation and apprehended Shashikanth at his temporary residence.

Arrested:

• A-1: Bathini Shashikanth, 39, resident of Aparna Aura Apartments, Shaikpet, Hyderabad.

Absconding Accused:

• A-2: Praveen

• A-3: Vimal (who acted as his bodyguard)

Seized Material:

• 2 mobile phones

• 6 SIM cards

• 2 walkie-talkies

• Fake ID card

The Hyderabad Police have urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid trusting individuals claiming undue authority, and report suspicious activities promptly to help curb such offences. (pressmediaofindia.com)