A Guwahati resident was arrested in Delhi on January 15 for allegedly using a fake diplomatic identity and counterfeit diplomatic number plates on a Toyota Innova, Delhi Police officials said.
The accused has been identified as Dr Ashma Begum (around 48). Police said the case gained urgency as it surfaced days ahead of the 77th Republic Day, when security is tightened across high-sensitivity zones in the national capital.
Delhi Police arrested a Guwahati woman, Dr Ashma Begum, on January 15 for allegedly using fake diplomatic number plates and misrepresenting herself as a foreign diplomat. Police said multiple counterfeit diplomatic plates were recovered, and she allegedly used the identity to access high-security areas in Delhi. Investigation is ongoing.
What the Police Alleged
According to Delhi Police, Begum was intercepted while driving a Toyota Innova fitted with a counterfeit diplomatic registration plate. Police said multiple fake diplomatic number plates were recovered during the operation.
The arrest was made by the Crime Branch’s Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell, police sources said.
Claims of Access to High-Security Zones
Police allege the accused used the fake diplomatic identity to move through high-security areas, including zones around central government ministries, as well as areas linked to embassies, consulates, and residences of foreign diplomats.
Officials said the timing of the alleged impersonation close to Republic Day made the matter particularly sensitive from a security standpoint.
Links to Vasant Vihar and “Diplomatic Circles”
Police sources said Begum was frequently seen in Vasant Vihar, an area known for foreign missions and diplomats’ residences. Residents familiar with her activities allegedly told investigators that she introduced herself as a diplomat and attended embassy-linked social gatherings.
Police also stated she lived in a rented house in Vasant Vihar, and allegedly claimed it as her own.
Questions Raised During Initial Verification
During initial questioning, police said Begum could not identify the embassy she claimed to represent and could not produce valid diplomatic credentials or vehicle ownership documents.
Police said she later claimed she had purchased the SUV from a foreign embassy in November 2024, but did not complete the registration process in her name. This claim is under verification.
Why This Is Being Tracked in Guwahati
Because Begum is stated to be a resident of Guwahati, the case has drawn attention in Assam. Investigators are expected to verify her background and claims, including her statement that she is the national secretary of the Republican Party of India (RPI) led by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and her claimed associations with sports organisations.
No independent confirmation of these claims has been presented in the inputs provided.
What Happens Next
Police said they are:
- Tracing the origin and procurement of the fake diplomatic plates
- Verifying the accused’s identity claims and affiliations
- Examining the vehicle’s ownership and registration trail
Why This Matters
The case highlights how false identity and counterfeit official markers can create security risks—especially around national events, while also raising questions about verification systems and access controls in sensitive zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the accused in the case?
Delhi Police identified the accused as Dr Ashma Begum, around 48, who is stated to be a resident of Guwahati.
What was recovered by the police?
Police said they recovered a Toyota Innova fitted with a counterfeit diplomatic number plate and multiple fake diplomatic plates from her possession.
