A joint team of the police and intelligence wing of the Indian army arrested a Nepal resident on Thursday for allegedly impersonating an army colonel to dupe army aspirants with the promise of jobs for cash.

Sources said Man Bahadur Gurung from Nepal’s Taratal in Bardiya district stayed in Siliguri ward 46, wore army uniforms and introduced himself as a colonel.

“He faces charges that he took money from army aspirants and promised them jobs. Later, he fled to Nepal. Recently, he was seen near Sukhiapokhri, some 20km from Darjeeling, and hence a team was formed to nab him,” said a source.

The team found some Indian identity proofs that appear fake and some pictures of him in army uniform.

Produced in Darjeeling district court, he was sent in police custody. “Whether he was earlier in the Nepal army is being verified,” said a source.