Charm Mission Failed: Pune hotel receptionist posed as IAF officer to 'impress girls', arrested

Originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, Kumar used to work as a hotel receptionist in Pune’s Kharadi area.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested for posing as an Indian Air Force officer in Pune. The accused has been identified as Gaurav Kumar. Originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, Kumar used to work as a hotel receptionist in Pune’s Kharadi area.

A report by punekarnews.com said that Kumar was popular on Instagram and used to post photos dressed as an IAF officer. The report citing the officials said that prima facie it appears a case of impersonation for romantic relationships. Kumar wanted to impress women by posing as an IAF officer.

Local police as well as the Southern Command Military Intelligence had put him under surveillance for some time before Kumar was finally arrested on Sunday.

A PTI report said that various items such as a pair of combat pants and shoes, two IAF T-shirts, a tracksuit upper and two IAF badges were seized from the accused.

A case has been registered against the accused under section 168 (impersonating a soldier, sailor, or airman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Khadki police station.

An investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the impersonation and any potential security implications.

(With PTI inputs)