In a bizarre turn of events, Mona Bugalia, also known as Mooli Devi, a 28-year-old woman from Rajasthan's Nagaur district, was arrested after impersonating a police sub-inspector for two years. Her elaborate charade involved attending training sessions at the Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA), donning official uniforms, and even posing for photographs with senior police officers.
Mooli Devi's deception began after she failed the sub-inspector recruitment exam in 2021. Instead of accepting defeat, she allegedly forged documents under the name "Mooli Devi" and spread the word on social media that she had been selected as a sub-inspector. She then presented herself at the Rajasthan Police Academy, claiming to be a candidate from an earlier batch enrolled through the sports quota.
Reports indicate that Mooli Devi fully immersed herself in the role. She reportedly joined WhatsApp groups meant for sub-inspector recruits, attended police banquets and functions, and walked the parade grounds of the RPA in official attire. She even managed to get herself photographed with high-ranking officials, further solidifying her false identity.
Her scheme unraveled when she threatened someone in a WhatsApp group meant for sub-inspectors, raising suspicions that led to an investigation. An FIR was lodged against her at Shastri Nagar police station in Jaipur in 2023, and she went into hiding.
After being on the run for approximately two years, Mooli Devi was apprehended near a coaching institute in Sikar, Rajasthan. At the time of her arrest, she attempted to pass herself off as a student but was unsuccessful. A search of her rented room revealed Rs 7 lakh in cash, three police uniforms, and exam papers from the Rajasthan Police Academy, along with forged documents used to support her false identity.
Mooli Devi's motive, according to her confession, was to impress her family, which includes four sisters, and to experience the power associated with the police force.
The incident has sparked concerns about security lapses and verification processes at the Rajasthan Police Academy. Social activist Vijay Kumbhar described the incident as a symptom of "systemic rot". The police are currently investigating how she managed to breach security at the training institution and maintain her false identity for so long. The Rajasthan Police Academy has stated that it is impossible to reach the classroom and the indoor training facilities of RPA.
