Arrest of Alleged Impostor
Lalit Kishor, a 27-year-old from Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, was apprehended by Gorakhpur police on December 9, 2025. Known by the alias Gaurav Kumar Singh, he had been posing as an IAS officer and reportedly extorting money from individuals across four states while promising them government jobs and contracts.
Authorities revealed that Kishor had been spending approximately ₹5 lakh every month on his perceived official persona, which included a convoy and a ten-member entourage presenting an image of legitimacy. His arrest followed a tip-off from the Railway Protection Force.
Background and Motive
The case sheds light on an elaborate scheme where Kishor allegedly scammed at least 40 individuals across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. His operation often involved fabricated media reports and forged identification documents, making it difficult for victims to doubt his claims.
Gorakhpur Superintendent of Police Abhinav Tyagi explained the extent of Kumar’s deception. “He utilized fake IDs, mobile phones, and even AI-generated images in which he replaced legitimate officials’ faces with his own. This level of fraud not only showcases his intention to deceive but also highlights the vulnerabilities in the system. It is critical for us to investigate any further complaints from individuals who may have fallen victim to this scheme,” Tyagi said.
The Scale of Deceit
Bribery and Corruption
During an ongoing inquiry, police linked Kishor to contractor Mukund Madhav, who was arrested at Gorakhpur railway station while carrying ₹99.09 lakh in cash. Madhav had reportedly paid Kishor a bribe of ₹5 crore, expecting a government tender worth ₹450 crore in return. However, when the tender was awarded to another contractor, Madhav sought the return of his money, which led to his apprehension and, subsequently, the investigation into Kishor.
Further investigation revealed Kishor’s fraudulent activities extended beyond individual conning. Authorities found he had misappropriated ₹1.7 crore and two vehicles from Madhav, which was a part of the promise linked to the tender.
A Family in Poverty
Back in Sitamarhi, Lalit Kishor’s family resides in dire economic conditions. His mother, Jahari Devi, is a septuagenarian who works as a house help to support her five sons, all of whom lead modest lives as agricultural laborers and masons.
Sangeeta Devi, one of Lalit’s sisters-in-law, voiced the family’s indifference towards Kishor’s actions. “We do not have anything to do with him. What he sowed, so shall he reap. He has not helped us financially, nor have we ever sought assistance from him,” she stated while discussing the burdens that the family faces.
His Early Aspirations
According to locals, Lalit was initially a bright student who opened a coaching institute to educate underprivileged children. His good intentions veered into deceitfulness as he began exploiting his role to promise jobs in exchange for money. After eloping with a student he tutored, he moved deeper into a life of fraud and manipulation.
After leaving Sitamarhi, he set up another coaching institute in Banka district, where he incentivized students with promises of government employment, absconding with substantial fees from those he deceived.
Law Enforcement Actions
As investigations progressed, Lalit Kishor, along with his associates Abhishek Kumar and Parmanand Gupta, was found guilty of duping many individuals. The police reassured affected parties that they should come forward to lodge formal complaints. “We urge anyone who feels victimized by this network to report it. This is a significant case, and we aim to bring all involved parties to justice,” Tyagi emphasized.
Authorities also confirmed that Lalit’s alleged activities had spanned multiple states, indicating a larger network of deception that required stringent measures to dismantle. This ensures that similar schemes can be curtailed in the future.
The Aftermath
The Gorakhpur police have taken a significant stance against such fraudulent practices by prioritizing ongoing investigations to uncover any deeper networks. Charges against Kishor and his accomplices may include forgery, conspiracy, and multiple counts of extortion.
As authorities delve deeper, they have vowed to bolster measures that identify and curb such deceptions, making it imperative for citizens to readjust their approaches to engagements with potential fraudsters, especially those posing as government officials.
Lalit Kishor’s Legacy
While Kumar initially enjoyed a reputation as a good student and individual within his community, his illegal undertakings may overshadow former connections and credibility. Neighbors have voiced mixed emotions about the impact of his actions on their community’s reputation.
Sanjay Kumar, a local political figure, commented on Kishor’s earlier ambitions, stating, “Today Lalit has made Mehsaul famous, or rather infamous, through his deceitful actions. We must ensure our community does not suffer the consequences of his wrongdoings.”
Conclusion
This case highlights serious issues within the bureaucratic framework that allowed such impersonations to occur. As investigations proceed, it will be critical for law enforcement to not only punish those involved but to implement measures that prevent repeat incidents in the future.
Local residents and victims of Kishor’s fraud await further developments as authorities unveil more information related to this complex criminal case.