Scam – Mumbai Police Arrest Two for Fake PM Letter Extortion Case
Scam – Mumbai Police’s Anti-Extortion Cell has taken two individuals into custody for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 4 lakh using a forged letter that appeared to carry the signature of the Prime Minister. The arrests were made following a complaint filed by a social worker, and officials confirmed that the accused were caught during a planned operation.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
The two accused were presented before the Esplanade Court, which ordered their police custody for three days to allow further questioning. Authorities identified them as Tausif Hussain Ismail Patel, 44, an advertising professional associated with a media firm, and Siddhinath Dinanath Pandey, also known as Sunil, 43. Both individuals live in the same residential building in Goregaon (West).
Investigators stated that the arrests took place on the evening of April 4 after a detailed inquiry into the allegations. Legal representation for the accused was provided during the court hearing, and further proceedings will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
How the Alleged Fraud Began
According to the complaint, the victim operates a non-governmental organization that has been actively involved in social initiatives since 2020. The NGO focuses on helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as supporting old age homes and orphanages.
The complainant reportedly met Patel and another associate, Farnaz Wadia, at a social gathering in 2022. They introduced themselves as journalists and gradually built a connection, frequently communicating through messaging platforms and showing interest in the NGO’s work.
Offer of a Letter from Prime Minister’s Office
The case took a serious turn in March when Patel allegedly sent a voice message claiming he could arrange a birthday greeting from the Prime Minister’s Office. In return, he demanded payment, describing it as public relations charges.
Initially, the complainant did not take the claim seriously. However, the accused reportedly continued to follow up and insisted that the offer was genuine. Days later, a digital version of a letter, appearing to be signed by the Prime Minister and praising the NGO’s efforts, was sent to the complainant.
Doubts Over Authenticity
The complainant briefly shared the letter on social media, but concerns were raised by colleagues who questioned its authenticity. Acting on their advice, the post was removed.
Police said the accused then intensified their efforts, allegedly creating a fake email identity in the complainant’s name to make the communication appear credible. This step, investigators believe, was part of a calculated attempt to build trust and pressure the victim into making the payment.
Meeting and Trap Operation
On April 2, the complainant arranged to meet the accused at a café in Worli. During this meeting, they allegedly claimed to have connections within the Prime Minister’s Office and repeated their demand for Rs 4 lakh in exchange for an original framed letter.
Feeling threatened and under pressure, the complainant approached the police. Acting swiftly, the Anti-Extortion Cell set up a trap at a hotel in the Worli Sea Face area. The accused were apprehended while allegedly accepting the money.
Evidence Recovered by Police
During the operation, officers seized several items believed to be linked to the crime. These included a framed fake letter bearing a forged signature, bundles of imitation currency along with a small amount of real cash, and mobile phones suspected to have been used in coordinating the scheme.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Charges include cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, extortion, and cyber fraud.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Probe
The case was initially registered at Worli Police Station before being transferred to the Anti-Extortion Cell for a detailed probe. Officials leading the investigation are examining whether more individuals are involved in the operation.
Authorities are also looking into how the forged document was created, including the tools and methods used to replicate official signatures and letterheads. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that similar scams may have been carried out using fake documents of other government officials.
Further inquiries are underway to trace any additional accomplices, including those who may be operating outside Maharashtra. Police have indicated that more developments are expected as the investigation progresses.