Varanasi air show: Security forces detain impersonator at Namo Ghat helipad

Security personnel deployed for the Indian Air Force air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi detained a man attempting to enter the restricted helipad area by posing as a military officer.

Alert patrol officers stopped the man, identified as Arpit Chaturvedi, after noticing suspicious behaviour near the high-security perimeter. When questioned by security staff, he claimed to hold senior military rank in an attempt to justify his presence near the helipad.

Sub-Inspector Chandan Kumar, who was leading a patrol team with Head Constable Hriday Narayan Maurya and Constable Mehboob Alam, initiated questioning on the spot. Officers noted that Chaturvedi's demeanour and answers did not match those of a serving officer. Verification of military records quickly confirmed that he had no association with the armed forces.

Joint questioning was conducted by the Intelligence Bureau, the Local Intelligence Unit, Air Force officials, and Varanasi Police. Officials confirmed that Chaturvedi's father runs a pathology centre in Varanasi. Station In-charge Vimal Mishra stated that Chaturvedi later admitted to fabricating the identity simply to gain entry to watch the aerial display.

Police registered Case No. 0189/2026 at Adampur Police Station under Sections 204 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Chaturvedi was formally charged and remanded to judicial custody following the completion of initial security checks.

The prompt interception demonstrated the tight security measures surrounding the "Wings over Ganga" air show, an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Governor Anandiben Patel. Authorities confirmed that security protocols remained fully intact throughout the display.