New Delhi/Mumbai – In a significant crackdown, the Mumbai Police has arrested two individuals for allegedly running an extortion racket using a forged letter bearing the signature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch, which apprehended the accused while they were attempting to collect an extortion amount in the Worli area of the city.
Accused Arrested While Accepting Money
The arrested individuals have been identified as Tausif Patel (44) and Siddhinath Pandey (43), both residents of Goregaon in Mumbai.
According to police officials, the duo was caught red-handed during a trap operation set up at a hotel near Worli Sea Face, where they had arrived to collect ₹4 lakh from the complainant.
Targeting a Social Worker
The complainant, a social worker who runs a non-governmental organization supporting underprivileged children and assisting old-age homes and orphanages, was allegedly targeted by the accused through a carefully planned scheme.
Police said the accused initially approached the victim in March via social media, posing as journalists. They maintained regular contact through WhatsApp, sharing updates and building trust by showing interest in the complainant’s social initiatives.
Investigators revealed that the complainant had earlier come into contact with one of the accused, Tausif Patel, and an associate, Farnaz Wadia, during a social event in 2022.
Fake Offer from PMO Used as Bait
On March 18, Patel allegedly sent a voice message to the complainant claiming he could arrange a personalized birthday greeting letter from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in exchange for money.
Initially dismissing the offer as fake, the complainant grew suspicious as the accused continued to insist on its authenticity, demanding ₹4 lakh as “PR charges.”
On March 28, a digital copy of a letter purportedly signed by the Prime Minister was sent to the complainant by the associate. The letter praised her social work and appeared convincing enough for her to briefly share it on social media before deleting it following doubts raised by colleagues.
Forgery and Digital Manipulation
Police investigations revealed that the accused went to considerable lengths to make the scheme appear credible. They allegedly created a fake email ID in the complainant’s name and used it to circulate forged communication, further reinforcing the illusion of authenticity.
During a meeting on April 2 at a café in Worli, the accused reportedly claimed to have contacts within the PMO and reiterated their demand for ₹4 lakh in exchange for providing a framed “original” letter.
Trap Laid by Crime Branch
Acting on the complaint, the Anti-Extortion Cell devised a trap to catch the accused. The operation culminated at a hotel in Worli Sea Face, where the duo was arrested while allegedly accepting the extortion money.
During the raid, police recovered several incriminating items, including:
- A framed fake letter bearing the forged signature of the Prime Minister
- Bundles of toy currency notes along with two genuine ₹500 notes
- Two mobile phones allegedly used to coordinate the crime
Probe Expands to Wider Network
Officials suspect that the arrested individuals may not have acted alone. The police are now probing the possible involvement of additional accomplices and examining whether similar frauds have been carried out using forged documents of other high-ranking government officials.
Authorities are also analyzing digital evidence, including mobile phone data and communication records, to uncover the full extent of the racket.
Public Advisory
The case has once again highlighted the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes involving forged government documents or false claims of official connections.
Police have urged citizens to verify the authenticity of any such communications and report suspicious activities immediately to law enforcement agencies.
The swift action by Mumbai Police has not only prevented a financial crime but also exposed a deceptive racket exploiting the credibility of top constitutional offices for personal gain.
