The Delhi Crime Branch has taken a 45-year-old woman into custody for allegedly driving an SUV with fake diplomatic number plates through Delhi’s high-security zones – a case officials say has raised serious national security concerns ahead of Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.
The arrest was made on specific information that the woman, according to the statement, used to frequently visit various embassies and sensitive diplomatic zones using a vehicle with fake diplomatic number plates, PTI said, citing statements by officials.
The Delhi Police has deployed a large-scale, technology-driven security apparatus across Kartavya Path and the entire New Delhi district, in response to numerous tips regarding terror-related threats received from intelligence agencies ahead of next week’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
How was the woman caught?
A police team intercepted the SUV (Toyota Innova) on January 15 in Vasant Vihar area. During a search of the vehicle, officers found another fake plate similar to those used by foreign missions.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said the woman initially claimed to be a representative of a foreign embassy but did not name the mission or produce any valid diplomatic credentials or vehicle ownership documents. She was then taken to the Criminal Police Department in Sunlight Colony for questioning.
During interrogation, the woman – a resident of Guwahati – told the police that she bought the SUV from a foreign embassy in November 2024 but never officially registered it in her name. In order to avoid routine police checks and to move freely in restricted areas, she allegedly replaced her original license plates with forged diplomatic ones, the officer said.
Police released more details about the woman
The woman, who completed her qualification, claimed that she had served as the All India Secretary of a political party for the past four years. She also told investigators that between 2023 and 2024 she worked as a consultant at a foreign embassy.
The 45-year-old woman further claimed to have worked as a sports guide at the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya and said she was currently involved in counseling work for African students seeking admission in India.
Police seized the SUV, two sets of fake license plates, a cell phone and sales documents for the vehicle. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
This year’s Republic Day celebrations mark the first parade since Operation Sindoor – in which India carried out precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April last year.
(with input from agencies)
