LUCKNOW, Sept. 4 -- The wheels came off an elaborate fraud that had gone undetected for possibly up to a decade when a routine vehicle checking drive in the state capital unmasked a fake IAS officer on Wednesday.

The web of deceit had been spun by the accused to enjoy the trappings of privilege and power, complete with six luxury vehicles, including Range Rover, Mercedes Benz C 220, forged passes and IDs, besides upscale homes and an online aura with the high-sounding self-styled designation of cabinet special secretary. He had even used his fake credentials to apparently attend official functions.

But his game was up when Wazirganj police intercepted a car during a routine vehicle checking drive near Kargil Park.

The man in the back s...