Fake cops may approach you without uniform and threaten arrest; know how to check police ID and what to do if they scare you

Three men posing as policemen allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in south Delhi. The case has raised questions about the safety of women in public places. It has also put a spotlight on the scare tactics criminals use. Here is how such imposters operate, how people can spot them and what to do if a stranger in a park claims to be police. The steps can be useful in any public place.

How fake cops scare people to look like real police

Fake cops often start with their tone. Such people may speak in an assertive or intimidating way to show they have authority. The aim is to make the other person afraid so that they follow orders without asking questions.


When they work in a group, they may call each other "sir" or "janab". This is done to make the claim of being police sound real. Hearing these words in a park is not proof that the men are cops.

Threats of arrest and warrants used by fake police

Threats usually come next. The imposters may say they will arrest the person or bring other legal trouble. They may claim a warrant has been issued against the person. They may also say they will take the person to a police station.

Groups may go one step further and threaten to inform the person's parents. These lines are meant to create panic. A frightened person is less likely to stop and check anything.

Do police wear uniform, and can they come in plain clothes

Most fake cops do not wear a uniform. Some claim to be from a special unit or an investigation team, which gives them a reason for plain clothes.

Police officers on routine duty are generally in uniform. Some units and operation teams do work in civilian clothes, but their personnel are generally deployed for specific police operations and investigations. They are not officers who routinely walk up to people in parks. So plain clothes alone should not settle the matter for anyone.

How to check a police ID card and Delhi Police insignia

If someone in civilian clothes harasses you while claiming to be police, ask for their ID card. Then call 112 immediately. Do not wait for the argument to end.

If the person is in uniform and you still have doubts, check their identification and the Delhi Police insignia. Asking and looking takes only a minute. If doubts remain, call 112.

Why police cannot discuss a case with you outside a park

No police officer can share a case outside a park without a legitimate reason. So if a stranger starts talking about a case, a warrant or an arrest in the middle of a park, treat it as a warning sign.

Suspicion on its own is enough reason to call the emergency helpline number 112. You do not need to be fully sure before you make the call.

What to do if a fake cop scares you in a park

If you feel you are in danger, stay confident and try not to look scared. Then move away briskly. The best direction is towards a lighted area or a place with people. Call 112 once you are there.

Moving towards people matters because crowds and light make it harder for anyone to keep up the act. It also gives you a better chance of getting help quickly.

How to use the panic button and phone SOS to reach 112

Your phone can help too. The panic button can be pressed repeatedly to dial 112. Many people do not know this, so it is worth trying once to see how it works on your phone.

The SOS feature on a phone can send your live location to 112. This lets the helpline know where you are even if you cannot explain it. Teenagers and parents can set this up together before going out.

Why shouting for help can keep you safe in public places

Start shouting immediately if people are around. Someone nearby may hear you and come to your rescue.

Shouting should go along with the other steps. Move to a lighted area, keep calling 112 and use the SOS feature. Each step adds to the chance that help reaches you sooner.

What is the Aastha Kunj Park case in south Delhi

The alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in south Delhi by three men posing as policemen has raised questions about the safety of women in public places. The men are alleged to have posed as police to intimidate the girl. The case has also brought the tactics of such imposters into the spotlight.