In what can be considered a serious breach of security during the tour of Jana Sena Party chief and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan in Parvathipuram Manyam district last week, a 36-year-old man impersonated as an IPS officer appeared in his personal security all through the tour.
After the photos of this fake IPS officer went round in social media, the police finally arrested him on Saturday.
The impersonator was identified as B Surya Prakash, a native of Garividi locality in Vizianagaram district.
According to the police, Surya Prakash had informed his villagers that he was selected as an IPS officer a year ago and assumed office as assistant superintendent of police.
Sporting the dress of an IPS officer, he came to Pawan Kalyan’s tour to Parvathipuram Manyam district on December 20.
The police, however, said Surya Prakash had neither met Pawan Kalyan nor escorted the minister's convoy during the minister's visit.
“He came to the parking area of the meeting of the minister and interacted with a couple of police personnel at the spot,” the police said.
Some police officials at the spot mistook Surya Prakash as a real police officer, the police personnel and took photographs with him. The police said the imposter left the place even before the conclusion of Pawan Kalyan’s visit.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that Surya Prakash worked as Army Sepoy for a few years, later he executed some works as civil contractor and also worked as outsourcing employee with the legal metrology department.
State home minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed anger over security lapses and ordered a thorough investigation. Senior officials have taken the incident seriously, and police have initiated an investigation.