A significant security lapse was reported at the highly secured Namo Ghat helipad in Varanasi during the Indian Air Force’s three-day air show, when police arrested a young man who was impersonating a senior military officer.
The accused has been identified as Arpit Chaturvedi, a resident of the Nadesar area of Varanasi. He claimed to be Group Captain Arpit Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force and was found roaming in the restricted helipad zone. Verification of military records and the address he provided confirmed that he is not a serving officer at any rank.
According to police, Chaturvedi had befriended a real military officer posted in the Cantonment area and used this association to gain access. He even maintained the false identity while interacting with the genuine officer. When a police team stopped him near the helipad, he attempted to intimidate them by asserting his claimed rank. Officers noted that neither his appearance nor his conversation matched that of a serving military officer.
Namo Ghat police post in-charge Chandan Kumar, who was on patrol with his team for security arrangements ahead of Air Show-2026, received information about the suspicious individual. The team detained him, conducted initial questioning, and verified his claims. Adampur police station registered a case on the basis of Kumar’s complaint and subsequently submitted the challan.
Station in-charge Vimal Mishra stated that Chaturvedi admitted he had come to Namo Ghat to watch the air show and had resorted to false claims for entry. Intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and Air Force personnel, were also involved in questioning, according to additional reports.
The air show, organised by the Indian Air Force as part of its 94th Air Force Day celebrations and themed “Wings over Ganga,” featured aerial displays by multiple aircraft. On the concluding day, which drew an estimated large crowd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and senior military officers were among the dignitaries present. The helipad is designated a high-security zone, and the incident has highlighted a breach in access protocols despite heightened security arrangements.
Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway into how the impersonator reached the restricted area and the full extent of his activities. No other security breaches or injuries have been reported in connection with the event.
