Man swaps places with constable brother, dupes police for 35 years

Sirsa: For 35 years, he duped the police force by impersonating his brother and working as a constable in his place. The bluff came to the fore only after his death.

Police said that Ratan Lal had joined the Haryana Police in Sirsa in 1977 by impersonating as his brother Babu Ram, who had cleared the recruitment tests. Babu Ram had the educational qualifications to become a constable, which Ratan Lal lacked.

Lal kept on working for the Haryana Police as a constable, acting against criminals. During his long service years, he served at various places in Haryana and on deputation with Chandigarh Police too.

In November, Mr Lal consumed some poisonous substance while he was in his village in Yamunanagar village. He was admitted to Civil Hospital at Yamunagar from where he was referred to PGI Chandigarh. He died on his way.

He would have never been exposed, had his family members not given his real name Ratan Lal in the hospital papers.

Investigations revealed that the real Babu Ram was alive and it was Ratan Lal who had been working in the force and had died.

Babau Ram is currently staying in Yamunanagar, police said.