Hyderabad: Film Nagar Police arrested a 39-year-old fake IAS officer who cheated citizens for more than two years by posing as a senior government official. The accused, Bathini Shashikanth, allegedly claimed to be an IAS officer in the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Mines and at times identified himself as an IPS or NIA officer. Consequently, several people believed he could secure official favours.
Modus operandi of the fake IAS officer
Investigators found that he created fake IAS, IPS and NIA identity cards. Moreover, he prepared forged visiting cards and fabricated documents to reinforce his false profile. He also hired two armed bodyguards from Tamil Nadu to project authority. In addition, he fitted sirens to a private vehicle and used walkie-talkies to imitate official communication.
Police discovered that he circulated a forged TSIIC industrial land allotment letter. Therefore, he gained the trust of complainant Ali Hassan, Managing Director of Gold Gym. He collected ₹10,50,665 through bank transfers, UPI payments and cash before he absconded.
On 25 November 2025, officers acted on credible information and detained him at a temporary residence in Shaikpet. They identified him as A-1 Bathini Shashikanth, a resident of Aparna Aura Apartments. Meanwhile, A-2 Praveen and A-3 Vimal, who worked as his personal bodyguards, remained absconding.
Police seized two mobile phones, six SIM cards, two walkie-talkies and a fake identity card. Authorities urged citizens to stay alert and promptly report suspicious behaviour to prevent further offences.