Maharashtra: Woman Arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for Posing as Army Captain
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 12th September 2025: A 48-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday after allegedly impersonating an Army officer and attending public events in uniform, officials confirmed. The action was taken jointly by Military Intelligence and Daulatabad police.
The accused has been identified as Ruchika Jain, a resident of Dharampur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to police, Jain frequently wore a Captain’s rank uniform and introduced herself as a retired Army officer at social and cultural gatherings, misleading people and gaining recognition in the community.
During a raid on her residence, the authorities seized a large number of military items. The collection included combat uniforms with Captain’s stars, Para Special Forces insignia, a nameplate bearing her name, two ceremonial officer outfits with medals and ribbons, combat shoes, belts, gloves, face masks, army socks, and even a framed war memorial photograph. Police also found a fake ID card of a private security agency with her photo in Army dress, as well as trophies and mementos inscribed with the name “Captain Ruchika Jain.”
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar said that during questioning, Jain admitted she had once worked as a security guard in Delhi in 2001, where she came in contact with retired Army personnel. “She was fascinated by the Army lifestyle and, in 2017, got uniforms stitched using purchased fabric and accessories,” Pawar said. “Since then, she attended various events, including at a private academy, presenting herself as a retired Captain and even advising students under that false identity.”
Her activities came under the radar after Military Intelligence received specific inputs, leading to the search operation and her arrest.
An officer from Daulatabad police station said Jain has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for impersonating a public servant. “We are investigating whether she gained financial or other benefits by projecting herself as an ex-Army officer,” the officer added.
Jain remains in police custody as further inquiries continue.
