Lakhpat Singh Negi, 36, a former accountant from Rohini, Delhi, was arrested on August 13, 2025, for impersonating a Delhi Police sub-inspector for two years. The arrest happened when patrolling officers from Maurya Enclave police station spotted him sitting suspiciously in his car near an ATM in Pitampura and questioned him.
Negi failed to produce any valid police ID and was found with four fake police ID cards, badges, a toy pistol, uniforms, official stickers, court summons, and other police paraphernalia. During interrogation, he admitted to the impersonation, citing respect and financial gain as motives. He has no prior criminal record, and ongoing investigations are examining whether he misused his fake identity with the public or officials.
Caught Red-Handed: Police Unearth Elaborate Disguise
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh explained how the officers initially found Negi acting evasively when questioned about his identity. He claimed to be posted at the Cyber Police Station in Dwarka, but this did not convince the patrolling team. Upon escorting him to the police station, a thorough search of his vehicle revealed an extensive collection of convincing but fake police paraphernalia.
These included four counterfeit Delhi Police identification cards displaying his photo in full uniform, a fluorescent jacket, both a beret and a peaked police cap, several badges worn by decorated officers, police stickers bought online, file covers, court summons, and eight debit or credit cards.
The toy pistol in a holster closely resembled a real departmental firearm. Additionally, three mobile phones were seized. Police believe Negi methodically assembled these items over time to maintain the illusion of being a legitimate officer.
From Accountancy to Authority: Context Behind the Impersonation
Negi’s impersonation began after he lost his job as an accountant two years ago, leaving his wife as the sole breadwinner through her successful eatery business. According to police officials, Negi felt ashamed of his unemployment and the shift in family dynamics, which propelled him toward adopting a police sub-inspector’s identity to restore his perceived social standing and authority.
In 2023, he allegedly purchased an authentic-looking uniform from Kingsway Camp, Delhi, and supplemented his disguise with various fake but official-looking documents and accessories ordered online. He even fabricated court summons, which police are currently investigating to determine if they were used to threaten or intimidate others.
This case has attracted further attention in the backdrop of recent findings of a fake police station in Noida and other impersonation scams, raising concerns about the ease of obtaining official-looking gear on the internet and the potential risks it poses to public safety and trust.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident highlights not only the legal and social dangers posed by impersonation of public officials but also raises deeper questions about societal pressures and mental health. Losing one’s job and status can be a profound psychological blow, sometimes pushing individuals toward desperate measures that harm community trust.
While such deceit must be met with firm legal action to safeguard public safety and honesty, it is equally important to foster a compassionate society that supports those facing hardship without stigmatization. Transparent identity verification practices by authorities and increased public awareness about verifying officials can help curb impersonation incidents.
Ultimately, the balance between vigilance and empathy will define how communities maintain faith in law enforcement while understanding human struggles.
