Solan, October 26, 2026: Himachal Pradesh Police have caught a 31-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a senior Indian Army officer by wearing a military uniform and using a purported Army identity card in the Kasauli area of Solan district. The accused, identified as Arpan Katoch, is reportedly employed at a private hotel and is suspected of posing as an Army Colonel to avoid paying toll tax.
According to local media reports, Katoch is a resident of Tikri village under Duhki Post Office in Baijnath tehsil of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. He had been staying in rented accommodation in the Sunardi area near Kasauli while working at a private hotel. Some reports have identified him as a chef.
The matter came to light after Military Intelligence received information on October 23 about a man moving around Kot village and nearby areas while wearing an Indian Army uniform and introducing himself as a military officer.
The information was subsequently shared with the local police, prompting an investigation by the Garhkhal police post under Kasauli Police Station.
A police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Lalit Kumar traced the suspect to his rented accommodation and questioned him about his military credentials. During verification, investigators discovered that he was not a serving Indian Army officer but an employee of a private hotel.
Fake Colonel Identity Allegedly Used to Avoid Toll Tax
According to a report published by Divya Himachal on October 26, preliminary police investigations suggested that the accused had allegedly adopted the identity of an Indian Army Colonel to avoid paying toll charges.
The report stated that he had obtained military-style clothing and identification documents to present himself as a senior officer.
However, investigators have not publicly established how many times he allegedly used the fake military identity, which toll plazas may have been involved, or whether he received any financial benefits through impersonation.
Army Uniform and Suspected Fake Canteen Card Recovered
During the investigation, police reportedly recovered an Army-style liquor canteen card bearing the accused’s name and photograph in military uniform.
When questioned about the validity of the card and his association with the Indian Army, Katoch was reportedly unable to produce supporting documents establishing that he was a serving military officer.
Police are investigating how he obtained the Army uniform, military insignia and suspected forged identification documents.
Authorities are also examining whether other individuals helped him acquire these items or whether he had used the purported military identity in other circumstances.
Case Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Kasauli Police registered a case against the accused under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which deals with wearing the garb or carrying tokens used by public servants with fraudulent intent.
According to reports, DSP Parwanoo Anil Sharma confirmed that the matter was under investigation and that additional legal provisions could be invoked if further offences were established.
Solan Superintendent of Police S.D. Verma also confirmed police action in the case, stating that the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation were being examined.
While several reports described the accused as having been arrested, another reported that he was released after questioning following the issuance of a notice. The precise procedural status remains subject to official clarification.
Police Investigating Motive Behind Military Impersonation
Investigators are examining whether the alleged impersonation was limited to evading toll payments or whether the accused used his assumed military identity for other purposes.
The incident has raised concerns about the misuse of military uniforms and identification documents, particularly in areas close to military establishments.
Kasauli is home to a military cantonment, making the alleged impersonation a matter of particular concern for local security agencies.
At present, there is no verified evidence linking the accused to espionage, the theft of military information or any wider security network.
Further investigation is underway to establish the origin of the suspected fake documents, determine the accused’s activities while posing as an Army officer and identify any additional offences.
The allegations against Katoch remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
