Where Is Your Cap, Why Are You Not Saluting Me: Fake IPS Officer Arrested In Lucknow After ₹40 Tea Row

A 38-year-old man has been arrested by the Lucknow Police for allegedly posing as a fake IPS officer and turning a minor ₹40 tea bill dispute into a confrontation with police personnel at a roadside stall.

The accused, Mithilesh Shukla, a resident of Lucknow, was taken into custody by the Mahanagar Police Station after repeated complaints and a viral video incident showed him asserting false authority over officers. The incident took place on the night of June 13 near Gol Market crossing , where he first argued with a tea vendor over payment of ₹40.

When police arrived after receiving a distress call, Shukla allegedly tried to assert rank and control the situation. He reportedly told the officers, “Where is your cap, why are you not saluting me,” and insisted they follow proper protocol. He further claimed, “I am an IPS officer from Noida,” and refused to show any identity proof, saying he would bring documents later.

Police said he repeatedly demanded salutes and warned officers of consequences, attempting to intimidate them despite having no official position. The confrontation was recorded and widely shared online, quickly going viral on social media.

A second complaint was filed on June 15 after he allegedly created another disturbance at the same location, leading to his detention for questioning. During interrogation, Shukla admitted, “I work as an account executive in Noida. I am not an IPS officer.”

Officials confirmed he has been booked for impersonating a public servant , obstructing government duty , and related offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) . Legal experts note such offences can carry up to 2 years imprisonment for impersonation and 6 months to 3 years for obstruction, along with fines, depending on severity.

Police said the case highlights how false claims of authority can quickly escalate routine disputes into law-and-order situations.