Fake Lieutenant Colonel Arrested in West Bengal for Posing as Para SF Officer and Running Job Scam

A man who allegedly posed as a senior Indian Army officer has been arrested in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The accused, Tarun Das, lives in Sagardighi. He allegedly presented himself as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Para Special Forces and as a senior officer of the Army’s Military Intelligence wing. Police say he used this false identity to cheat people by promising them jobs in the armed forces.

He was arrested late on Sunday night, 11 October 2026, in the Nabagram police station area. The arrest was a joint operation by the local police and the Army’s intelligence unit based in Kolkata.

How he was caught

Army Intelligence had received inputs about the man’s suspicious movements in the area. Officials kept him under close watch for several days to collect evidence. Once they were sure, a joint team carried out a planned night operation and took him into custody.

On Monday, 12 October, he was produced before the Lalbagh Sub-Divisional Court. Police asked for 10 days of custody so they can question him in detail and find out whether others were involved.

How he allegedly fooled people

According to investigators, the accused went to great lengths to look like a real officer:

• Army uniform: He moved around different areas wearing a full Army uniform.

• Fake documents: He carried fake identity cards and forged papers to prove he was an officer.

• Official-looking car: He travelled in a white four-wheeler with “Government of India” stickers on the front and back.

• Walkie-talkies: He used walkie-talkies and other equipment to look like an officer on duty.

Police say he used this high-ranking image to scare people and also to win their trust. Even his neighbours reportedly did not know who he really was.

The alleged job scam

The main allegation against him is that he promised people jobs in the armed forces in return for large amounts of money. Many young people dream of joining the Army. Fraudsters often take advantage of this by claiming they can arrange a job through “contacts” or a “quota”.

Investigators are now trying to find out:

• Number of victims: How many people were cheated.

• Money collected: How much money was taken in total.

• Other members: Whether others were part of the racket.

Items recovered

During the arrest, officials seized several items that were allegedly used in the fraud:

• Vehicle: The car with the “Government of India” stickers.

• Communication devices: Three walkie-talkies and several mobile phones.

• Documents: Fake identity cards and other suspicious papers.

• Cash: Money and other materials linked to the scam.

The recovery of communication devices and fake official items has also raised security concerns. Officials are looking into whether the case has any wider security angle. The exact charges against him have not yet been made public. More details are expected after he is questioned in police custody.

What is Para SF?

The Para (Special Forces) are among the most elite units of the Indian Army. Their soldiers and officers go through some of the toughest training in the armed forces and carry out high-risk missions. The maroon beret and Para SF badge carry great respect, which may be why the accused chose to pose as an officer from this force.

A warning for defence aspirants

The case of the fake Lieutenant Colonel arrested in West Bengal is a reminder for all young people who want to join the armed forces. Recruitment into the Indian Army happens only through official channels. These include the Agniveer online entrance exam and recruitment rallies, and officer entries like NDA, CDS and other notified schemes. Details of all these entries are published only on official websites like joinindianarmy.nic.in.

No genuine officer or agent can get anyone a job in the Army in return for money. Selection is based only on written exams, physical tests, medical checks and interviews. If anyone asks for money with a promise of a defence job, it is a fraud. Report such cases to the nearest police station or to the Army.

Staying alert and checking information only from official sources is the best way to avoid falling into the trap of an Army job scam.