Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 29 (KNO): Weeks after Kiran Patel, a conman from Gujarat posing as an official of the Prime Minister’s Office, was arrested by J&K police in Srinagar, the government has ordered a time-bound inquiry into various aspects related to his visits to Kashmir.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the administration of Union Territory today appointed Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri as an inquiry officer to probe different aspects related to Patel’s visits to Kashmir and security arrangements made thereof.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the appointment of Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, as Inquiry Officer to inquire into the various aspects related to the visits of Kiran Patel to Kashmir during the past months and security arrangements made thereof,”an order issued by Home department reads.
It also said that the inquiry officer shall identify the lapses on the part of the officers/officials concerned and submit a detailed report within one week.
Earlier this month, Patel, a resident of Gujrat was arrested by the J&K Police for impersonating as a top PMO official. He had also held meetings with senior officials and claimed that he was sent to the Valley to explore the possibility of developing various sectors, including horticulture.
Security agencies got suspicious about his activities after he landed at the airport on March 2 as there was no information of any VIP movement. An attempt was made to stop him at the airport but this could not fructify as he had already stepped into a bullet-proof car.
On March 03, Patel was arrested by J&K police from hotel Lalit in Srinagar following a tip-off by its CID wing. At least 10 fake visiting cards and two mobile phones were seized from him.
Patel was taken to Nishat police station, where an FIR was registered against him for cheating, forgery and impersonation.
Last Thursday, a local court in Srinagar rejected his bail application, saying the offence committed by the accused has not to be taken lightly. The Court said that a thorough investigation is required to be conducted as to what could be the other possible connection of the accused which can be checked, scanned and controlled at the initial stage, so that an “ugly situation” is not again erupted—(KNO)
