NEW DELHI: Merely a Class XII pass, Divya Malhotra went around town posing as an IPS officer, inside a car with a Delhi Police logo as well as a beacon to back his claims.
Had it not been for the general patrolling by Delhi Police, Malhotra would have gone on to fool people. He was arrested on Wednesday night, bringing to an end his escapade.
Police said that Malhotra loved to show off, which was the main reason why he travelled in a car and posed as an IPS officer in front of people who did not know him.
On many occasions, the accused tried to shrug off Delhi Police officers who questioned him, telling them that he is the son of an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
However, on Wednesday night, police staff on patrol smelled something fishy and and checked his papers.
"At around 10.20 pm, a Hyundai Accent car came from Meenakshi Garden towards Subhash Nagar, flashing the beacon used by Delhi Police. A logo of Delhi Police was also pasted on the windshield of the car. The person sitting inside the car started giving directions to the picket staff through the PA system attached with the beacon.
"During enquiry, he claimed that he is an IPS officer and started rebuking the staff. His behavior, activities and personal appearance were found to be suspicious," said Monika Bhardwaj DCP (West).
On verification of his papers and on being questioned about the beacon, Malhotra's answers were found to be wanting and he was arrested. Both his parents are doctors and are senior citizens.
He also runs a cyber cafe in Meenakshi Garden and was fond of showing off to create an impression on friends and society, cops said.
Two beacon lights and a Delhi Police logo were seized from his possession. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source from whom he got these articles. A case has been registered at Hari Nagar police station for cheating by impersonation.