Siliguri, 10th May: The Medical Outpost police in Siliguri have arrested a man for cheating women by impersonating an airline co-pilot using social media platforms. The accused, identified as Hemant Sharma, hails from Pakyong in Sikkim.
According to police sources, Sharma used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to edit his photos to appear in a co-pilot’s uniform and falsely introduced himself as a pilot on dating apps and Instagram. Using this fabricated identity, he targeted young women, including airhostesses and healthcare professionals, to deceive and financially exploit them.
The incident came to light when a nurse from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) filed a complaint after being cheated of four grams of gold. Sharma had allegedly befriended her through social media, gained her trust, and then tricked her into parting with the gold.
Following the complaint, police arrested Sharma from the Durga Mandir area near Shiv Mandir in Siliguri on May 6. He was produced in court and taken into three-day police custody for questioning.
During interrogation, Sharma admitted to the crime, and based on his statement, police recovered the gold. Further investigation revealed that Sharma had previously worked as ground staff at the Bengaluru airport but later began introducing himself as a co-pilot to commit fraud. Police suspect he has duped over 300 female airhostesses using similar tactics.
Sharma was again presented in Siliguri court on Saturday after the completion of his remand. The investigation into the case is ongoing.