What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Conman Kiran J Patel, who was arrested for posing as a high-ranking official at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and availing Z-plus security during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, also visited various places in Uttarakhand last year.
According to his Twitter handle, Patel visited Dehradun, Rishikesh and Kedarnath in July and August last year. He had posed photos of his visit on his social media handles.
Uttarakhand Police has now launched an investigation to ascertain whether he availed government security and other facilities using fraudulent credentials during his visit.
“We are investigating whether accused Kiran Patel got Z category security from the state police during his visit to Uttarakhand,” said V Murugesan, additional director general of police (law and order).
The office further said, “While it is unlikely that he was given Z-plus security protocol in Kedarnath, possibilities are that he used his fake credentials to get priority in lodging and helicopter ride to the shrine.”
Around four months back, Kiran took the Jammu and Kashmir administration for a ride as he secured Z-plus security cover and official accommodation at a five-star hotel, along with making high-profile visits to border areas and availing of other privileges.
During his visit, Patel-led fake “official PMO team” also held review meetings with several government departments. He even posted his photos in different parts of Kashmir, and even of meetings, on his social media handles.
In his home state Gujarat, Patel faces multiple cases of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy, and allegedly duped several people of more than ₹5 crores. His wife has claimed that he is innocent and that his arrest is a conspiracy.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has reportedly joined the J&K Police in investigating how he operated his network and who helped him gain access to government officials and functionaries. Patel’s wife maintains that he is innocent and that his arrest is a “conspiracy.”
Patel was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Srinagar on March 3 and is currently in judicial custody. In Kashmir, he has been charged under sections 419, 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
