New Delhi: The alleged fake IAS case in Meerut has become more complex after new claims by the family of Rahul Kaushik. Police had arrested Kaushik from the Civil Lines area for allegedly posing as an IAS officer and intimidating people.

However, his family has now said that he cleared the UPSC exam in 2008 and was selected for the Indian Postal Service. They added that he later lost his job and is currently fighting his dismissal in the Central Administrative Tribunal.

Police action and arrest

Meerut police had earlier stated that Kaushik falsely projected himself as an IAS officer. SP City Ayush Vikram Singh and CO Civil Lines Abhishek Tiwari said in a press briefing that complaints were received against him. Police said a nameplate with IAS and Deputy Secretary written on it was recovered from his house. Based on this and other findings, Kaushik was taken into custody.

Family presents documents

The case took a turn when Kaushik’s family submitted documents to support their claims. His brother Saurabh Sharma said Kaushik secured 728th rank in the UPSC exam in 2008 and joined the Indian Postal Service.

According to the family, he underwent training at the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy in Ghaziabad. He later worked in Delhi and served in cities like Guwahati, Chennai, Hyderabad and parts of Tamil Nadu.

Family members said Kaushik faced allegations of fraud in 2017 and 2018, involving around Rs 1.5 crore. Following an inquiry, he was suspended and later dismissed from service in 2019. They said he has challenged his dismissal in the Central Administrative Tribunal and the matter is still pending.

Bail after breach of peace charge

After the family presented documents, police filed a case against Kaushik for breach of peace instead of sending him to jail. He was produced in court and later released on bail.

The family also said Kaushik has been under mental stress since losing his job. They claimed a late-night call to a senior police officer led to the situation that resulted in his detention.

Questions over police probe

The family alleged that police acted in haste and presented him as a fake IAS officer without checking facts. They said authorities should have verified details with them first. SP City Ayush Vikram Singh said police acted on complaints and available evidence. He added that Kaushik is not currently in any government service and further investigation is underway.