Impostor held during India-West Indies 'A' match

The Hubli-Dharwad police have arrested an impostor, Rafique Dhakani alias Raju alias Vishak, who had gained entry into the Karnataka State Cricket stadium here on Saturday during the third unofficial Test match between India A and West Indies A.

The police said that posing as a journalist, Rafique, who allegedly has criminal antecedents, had entered the stadium as well as player’s arena.

He was arrested following a scuffle with the police. He has been booked under four Sections of Indian Penal Code — 323, 353, 427 and 504, that include preventing a government official from discharging his duty. The suspect is likely to be produced before the Second Magistrate Court, Hubli on Tuesday. 

According to Special Branch police official Nagaraj, when  Rafique was stopped by the security staff, he abused and attacked  police official. The police immediately arrested him. Earlier, he was seen standing behind KSCA president Anil Kumble during presentation of trophy to the two captains at the post-match ceremony. He was also found escorting India A capitan Cheteshwar Pujara and his West Indies counterpart Kirk Edwards to their respective players’ enclosures in the pavilion, the police said. 

According to Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner Padamanayana, Rafique had managed to gain entry with an original pass and they were investigating whether he had stolen it or it was given to him by someone else. The pass had the name Basavaraj Y, without a photo. The police officials have also confiscated a fake identity card which states that he is a reporter of Udaya Karnataka and Free Bangalore, said to be fictitious newspapers.

Police said Rafique has criminal antecedents and is accused in many cases of bike lifting, gambling and eve-teasing. 

When contacted, KSCA Dharwad zone convenor Baba Bhusad said volunteers were selected based on the recommendations of the local clubs. “We don't know how this breach of security happened. We have learnt a lesson from this incident and will make sure that such incidents do not recur,” he added.