CALCUTTA: A Ukranian model who was under scanner of the Uttar Pradesh STF for alleged illegal stay and “suspicious” activities in the country, has been associated with a Bengal-cadre IPS officer after a photo of the two has come to light. The model, identified as Daria Molcha was arrested from Gorakhpur earlier this month on charges of forgery, fraud, and illegal stay in the country. The photograph reportedly emerged when investigators scanned her phone.
A Union Home Ministry source said, “The picture was found in one of the phones that the Ukranian national was carrying.” It will now be sent for examination to establish whether it is genuine or morphed or superimposed. Amitabh Yash, inspector-general of Police (STF), Uttar Pradesh, said, “Manipulation of data is so easy that until and unless I thoroughly examine every iota of evidence, I cannot comment on anything.” The IPS officer is currently posted in Bengal in a senior position and had been accused of corruption by a central agency a few years ago during his central deputation.
While the picture has prompted murmurs in Bengali police circles, officials have cautioned that a mere presence in a photograph could not be construed as an offence. A senior bureaucrat said, “Perhaps we should wait for the probe to conclude... But this is a very serious matter with larger ramifications.” Investigators said the woman had been in touch with many influential people, including police officials. She was about to leave the country for the Gulf when the STF arrested her. Two central agencies are interested in the case because of the foreign national's involvement. Sources in the Uttar Pradesh STF said they were probing all those whose names and photographs had emerged from the suspect's phone and other belongings to see whether they had helped her stay illegally in India.
