📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Mennonite Church USA Archives
Crime
Fake IAS Officer Himanshu Panchal Arrested in Indore's Lasudia Area
✍️ Amar Ujala · Indore
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 04:32 PM
👁 28
Police in Indore arrested Himanshu Panchal, who pretended to be IAS officer Raj Soni and duped people with false promises of government jobs.
Indore police detained a man identified as Himanshu Panchal in the Lasudia locality after a thorough investigation. The suspect had been presenting himself as IAS officer Raj Soni, using the title to gain credibility among job seekers.
Panchal reportedly approached several individuals, offering assistance in securing government positions and collecting fees for alleged processing. Victims were led to believe that his official status could fast‑track their applications, prompting them to part with money.
Authorities say the fraud came to light when the accused failed to settle a hotel bill, prompting staff to alert police. Subsequent inquiries revealed a pattern of deception involving multiple victims across the city.
The police have charged Panchal with impersonation, cheating and fraud, and the case is being forwarded to the court for further action. Officials warned the public to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a government officer before making any payments.
Panchal reportedly approached several individuals, offering assistance in securing government positions and collecting fees for alleged processing. Victims were led to believe that his official status could fast‑track their applications, prompting them to part with money.
Authorities say the fraud came to light when the accused failed to settle a hotel bill, prompting staff to alert police. Subsequent inquiries revealed a pattern of deception involving multiple victims across the city.
The police have charged Panchal with impersonation, cheating and fraud, and the case is being forwarded to the court for further action. Officials warned the public to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a government officer before making any payments.