The talented Mr Lodonia

What a pretend embassy in a pretend country tells us about the real problems in India.

India is full of fakes. You’ve probably heard of fake iPhones or copycat designer clothes like Gucci or Prada. Some people even sell fake paintings or pretend to be someone they’re not. But one man, Harsh Vardhan Jain, took pretending to a whole new level—he created a fake country!

From a regular rented house in Ghaziabad (just outside Delhi), Jain set up what he called the “West Arctic Embassy.” That means he was pretending to be an ambassador—a very important person who represents their country in another one. Except the countries he claimed to represent—Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia—don’t even exist!

He dressed up fancy, used cool cars with blue number plates (like real diplomats), and handed out fake government documents. And for a while, people actually believed him! Until the UP police’s Special Task Force (STF) finally figured it out and stopped him.

Why are people so impressed by him? Because he was clever. Just like the movie characters Danny Ocean or Frank Abagnale, who trick people by using their brains, charm, and deep understanding of human behavior. Jain didn’t just cheat people—he made them want to believe him. That’s what made him so dangerous—and impressive to some.

On social media, many people are actually cheering for him. They’re calling him smart and funny. Some even say, “Only respect!” They treat his fake country, Lodonia, like it’s some magical place—like Narnia from the books!

But while it may sound funny, there’s a serious problem too. How did he get away with this for so long? He used fake government papers and fake passports, and no one noticed for a while. That’s worrying. It means the systems that are supposed to protect us from fraud are not working well. If the police had taken longer, who knows how many more people he might have fooled?

So yes, Mr. Lodonia was talented. But it’s time for the real authorities to be a lot more alert—and for all of us to remember that not everything cool or shiny is real.

END OF ARTICLE