Man who posed as BARC scientist arrested

Mumbai Crime Branch arrested 60-year-old Akhtar Hussain for possessing fake BARC IDs and degrees, suspecting him of leaking sensitive information.

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Crime Branch, with the help of central agencies, arrested a 60-year-old man, identified as Akhtar Hussain Kutubuddin Ahmed, on Friday, who had multiple identity cards related to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

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The agencies questioned him about his role in the nuclear facility. They suspect he had used these forged documents, posing as a BARC scientist, to gain entry into the BARC and to leak any confidential information. They also found fake engineering degrees in his possession.

In 2004, the police learnt he was deported from Dubai after allegedly selling sensitive information to Arab diplomats. A case was then registered against him. As they found no evidence, he was let go, said an officer. The police said his foreign trips are also under scrutiny, as they suspect he leaked details that may compromise national security.

“We are questioning him; things will become clear as he answers them. Presently, it is still at a very primary stage,” the officer said. Ahmed was sent to three days’ police custody.