Kottayam: A 22-year-old man who allegedly posed as an IPS officer and intervened in police matters across Kerala has been arrested after a separate investigation led authorities to a POCSO case involving a 17-year-old girl.
Adithyan P. Kishore, a resident of Vadavathoor in Kottayam, allegedly presented himself as a 2023-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer. Police said he used police terminology, official-looking clothing and photographs with police vehicles to make his claims appear credible.
Fake identity helped him intimidate others
According to police, Adithyan allegedly used his supposed authority to intervene in disputes and intimidate police personnel and others in Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
In one instance, he reportedly contacted a police station while claiming to be a CRPF inspector. Investigators later found that his actual educational qualification was an ITI course in electronics.
₹20,000 payment opened a new investigation
The alleged impersonation came under scrutiny during a complaint by a Kottayam Collectorate employee who said she had lost nearly ₹10 lakh after being promised a job in Israel.
Adithyan reportedly intervened in the dispute and allegedly threatened the agency owners involved. Police said he subsequently received ₹20,000 from the woman.
Investigators traced the transaction and followed the phone number associated with it. The call was answered by a minor girl, leading police to a separate investigation.
Teenager’s complaint leads to POCSO arrest
Police said the girl told them that Adithyan had introduced himself to her as an IPS trainee. She also reportedly disclosed that she was pregnant after allegedly being sexually assaulted by him.
Following her complaint, Kottayam West police registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested Adithyan on August 29.
Police examine other alleged cases
Investigators are now examining whether the alleged impersonation extended beyond the cases already identified.
Police said Adithyan is also facing cases connected with an alleged ₹1 lakh fraud involving solar panel installation and another incident in which he allegedly brandished an air gun at a bar.
Authorities are investigating whether the false IPS identity was used elsewhere to deceive, threaten or exploit people.