Fake IPS Officer Couple Busted for Allegedly Selling Police Jobs

Chandigarh: Punjab Police have arrested a couple accused of allegedly impersonating senior police officials and cheating job seekers by promising government appointments in exchange for money. Investigators allege that the accused collected ₹31.5 lakh from victims by claiming they could arrange positions in the police department, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Inspector, and Head Constable posts.

The accused have been identified as Anmol Ratan and his wife Mandeep Kaur. Police said the couple was traced through technical surveillance after allegedly avoiding arrest by frequently changing locations and mobile phone numbers. Both accused have been taken into custody for further questioning.

The allegations in the case are under investigation and have not been proven in court.

Complaint Led to Investigation

According to police, the case began after a complaint was filed on July 17, 2025, by Raveen Kaur, a resident of Baupur Bet village in Shahkot.

The complainant alleged that Anmol Ratan introduced himself as a senior police officer and claimed he could secure government positions for her family members. She alleged that he promised a DSP post for her, an Inspector-level position for her niece Sandeep Kaur, and a Head Constable post for her brother Hardeep Singh.

Believing these claims, the family allegedly paid ₹31.5 lakh. However, the promised appointments were never provided, leading to the registration of a police case.

Financial Trail and Arrests

Police officials said that after the FIR was registered, the accused allegedly went into hiding and attempted to evade investigation by changing their contact details and locations.

During the probe, investigators reportedly traced financial transactions linked to the alleged fraud. Police claimed that ₹3 lakh from the suspected proceeds was transferred into the bank account of Anmol Ratan’s father. He was arrested on June 23, 2026, and later sent to judicial custody.

Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Anmol Ratan and Mandeep Kaur on July 8.

Fake Identity Documents Recovered

During interrogation, police alleged that Anmol Ratan admitted to creating fake IPS identity cards and forged official documents to convince victims of his authority.

Investigators are also examining claims that similar frauds may have been carried out against other individuals. Authorities are verifying whether additional victims or associates are connected to the alleged scheme.

Police said they recovered electronic devices, forged identification cards, and other documents from the accused. The seized material has been sent for forensic analysis to determine the full scope of the alleged operation.

Probe into Alleged Use of Fraud Money

Investigators are also tracking how the alleged proceeds were used. Police claim that approximately ₹17 lakh was invested in a ready-made garment business in Shahkot allegedly linked to a relative of the accused.

The investigation has further identified alleged spending of ₹1.10 lakh on a Maruti Ciaz car and around ₹10 lakh towards the purchase of a house in Nakodar. Authorities are examining these transactions as part of the ongoing financial investigation.

Experts Warn Against Recruitment Scams

Cybercrime experts have warned that fraudsters often exploit public trust in government institutions by using fake identities, forged documents, and false promises of official appointments.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh advised job aspirants to rely only on official recruitment notifications and authorised government channels. He stressed that genuine government appointments are never secured through private payments or personal connections.

Investigation Continues

Punjab Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the accused were involved in a wider recruitment fraud network. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further action will be taken if additional evidence emerges.

The accused remain subject to legal proceedings, and the allegations against them will be decided by the court.