After nearly a year on the run, police arrested 33-year-old Mona Bugalia, who impersonated a sub-inspector and lived undetected inside the Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA) for months. She successfully deceived even senior officers with her detailed disguise.
SHO Mahendra Yadav of Shastri Nagar police station confirmed the arrest from Sikar. Mona had been evading capture since 2023, after an FIR was filed against her for impersonation and repeatedly accessing the RPA campus under the guise of official duties.
Bugalia crafted a convincing identity, complete with summer and winter police uniforms, forged ID cards, multiple nameplates, and a police belt. She was often seen taking photos with IPS and RPS officers, projecting herself as a legitimate sub-inspector posted at RPA.
She lived comfortably within the academy, using fake credentials to gain respect, access, and mobility. Mona learned the police system well enough to stay ahead of law enforcement for months.
Her arrest followed a tip-off about her presence in Sikar, leading to a quick, peaceful capture. She was brought to Jaipur for questioning.
Police revealed she had threatened individuals over WhatsApp calls, flaunting her fake status to intimidate them.
A search of her rented room last year uncovered several full sets of police uniforms, forged badges, ID cards, nameplates, and other items used in her impersonation.
Despite being under surveillance since September 2023, Mona frequently changed locations and disguises to avoid arrest. Investigations are ongoing to uncover how she accessed RPA and whether she had inside assistance.
