Srinagar/IBNS: A conman from Gujarat took the Jammu and Kashmir administration and its security structure for a ride by posing as a senior official from the Prime Minister's Office and enjoyed Z-plus security cover, a bulletproof Mahindra Scorpio SUV a well as an official accommodation at a five-star hotel.

The imposter, identified as Kiran Bhai Patel, also held a series of meetings with officials during his two visits to Srinagar earlier this year.

Patel, who was impersonating an Additional Director for strategy and campaigns in the Prime Minister's Office, was arrested at least 10 days ago.

However, his arrest was kept a secret by the police.

On Thursday, details of his arrest emerged after a magistrate sent him to judicial custody. It's unclear if a First Information Report was registered on the same day of his arrest or if there was some delay in filing it.

The conman's first visit to the valley was in February when he visited health resorts.

There are many videos of him travelling to various places escorted by the paramilitary and the police.

He is seen walking through snow at Doodhpathri in Budgam with paramilitary guards. He is also seen posing for a photo in front of the clock tower Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Patel came under suspicion after he arrived in Srinagar on his second visit within two weeks.

The intelligence agencies alerted the police about a conman impersonating a PMO official. After verifying his background, the police were asked to arrest the man from a hotel in Srinagar.