Fake PMO Officer Bharat’s Scam: From Police to Politicians, Earning ₹50K via WiFi Only

Recently, Bharat Chhabda, who was posing as a high-ranking officer from various government agencies to deceive people, was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch. Bharat gained entry into government offices under the alias ‘Ronnie,’ prompting an investigation that began with instructions from the PMO. Gujarat CMO later directed the Ahmedabad Crime Branch to look into Bharat’s activities, which revealed his widespread fraud. His methods were so deceptive that even infamous conman Kiran Patel would pale in comparison. Bharat’s network extended from politicians to the police, and now some police officers are in trouble as well.

Suspicion at Vaishno Devi Temple Leads to Investigation

Bharat raised suspicion when he entered the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu with security, leading one officer to contact the PMO, bringing the case to light. During the investigation, Ahmedabad Crime Branch discovered Bharat’s extensive history of fraud. He used to provide information about liquor operations to Ahmedabad police in exchange for money and took bribes for police transfers in Haryana, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000. He frequently changed his mobile numbers in each city and primarily communicated through Wi-Fi.

Police Officer Involvement Under Scrutiny

DCP Ajit Rajian of the Ahmedabad Crime Branch told Divya Bhaskar that several police officers’ numbers were found in Bharat’s phone, and investigations are ongoing in that direction.

Bharat’s Network Extended to Government Employees

Bharat received assistance from some Gujarat police employees. When Gujarat police officers visited Haryana for investigations, Bharat would arrange their stay and meals. In return, Gujarat police facilitated transportation for visiting politicians from Haryana. This arrangement helped Bharat establish a stronghold in Haryana, where he began accepting bribes for police transfers. His charges ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000, and his powerful network made it easy for him to get things done.

Providing Vehicles to Haryana Politicians

Since 2014, Bharat has been in contact with some Ahmedabad police officers and began profiting by providing information on illegal liquor shipments from Haryana. With the money he earned, he began arranging vehicles for Haryana politicians and ensuring accommodations for visiting Haryana officials in Gujarat. Bharat’s operation seems to have been going on for years, and now, phone records showing contact with police officials have surfaced.

Started Giving Cars to Powerful Individuals

Bharat, originally from a small village in Haryana, tried for years to establish connections with top politicians. In 2014-15, he connected with Gujarat police officers through two Haryana policemen and began sharing information about liquor trucks coming from factories. When Gujarat police seized these trucks, a portion of the proceeds would go to Haryana police and Bharat. Realizing the lucrative nature of this business, Bharat invested further and earned lakhs of rupees. With this wealth, he began buying cars and distributing them under the guise of helping powerful individuals and politicians in Haryana.

Detained at Vaishno Devi Temple with Security

According to a Crime Branch officer, Bharat was recently detained while visiting the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu-Kashmir with security. The case was escalated to the central government, which then informed Gujarat authorities. Ahmedabad police have been investigating Bharat for the past two to three months, uncovering his fraudulent activities. Data from Bharat’s phone has been obtained, and during interrogation, he claimed to be influenced by RSS ideology, though police believe this is part of his fabrications.

Bharat Chhabda Arrested by Crime Branch

Bharat Chhabda was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch from Karnal, Haryana, after being accused of posing as a high-ranking officer in various government agencies to defraud people. Three separate cases were registered against him at the Crime Branch, with an additional case at Adalaj police station.

Ahmedabad Police Solved Three Fraud Cases

A complaint was filed with the Ahmedabad Crime Branch regarding Bharat’s fraudulent activities, where he posed as a senior official in central government agencies and promised to help people with connections in the state government. He built a false reputation, gained people’s trust, and committed fraud. The Crime Branch registered three complaints and tracked Bharat down to Haryana after a long investigation, solving three cases in Ahmedabad and one in Adalaj.

Posing as a Senior Government Official to Stay in Hotels

According to ACP Bharat Patel of the Crime Branch, three different complaints were filed against Bharat in early August. One complainant, Anil Kumar, the manager of Tandoor Palace Hotel, reported that Bharat had stayed at the hotel, claiming to be a senior officer in a central agency. He falsely boasted of political connections and stayed at the hotel without paying the bills.

Changing Name to Buy SIM Cards

Another complainant, Prashant, reported being in contact with Bharat for a long time. Bharat had collected ₹2.22 lakhs, including gifts, to help Prashant’s father in a legal matter. Bharat also forged documents using Prashant’s Aadhaar card to buy SIM cards under a false identity. In Adalaj police station, Bharat was also accused of presenting fake documents and avoiding hotel bills.

Falsely Posing as a CBI and RAW Contact

Bharat Chhabda falsely claimed to have connections with CBI, RAW, and senior central government officials, as well as politicians. While living in Haryana, he used this fake identity to gain people’s trust and commit fraud. Investigations are underway to determine if he has defrauded people in other states using this false identity. Three Aadhaar cards have been found in his possession. He often told people he had access to Gandhinagar government offices and had been operating under this false identity for the past four years.