Fake PMO official, 'bodyguard' with gun arrested ahead of PM Modi's Mumbai event
The incident occurred near the venue of PM Modi's scheduled event, though police ruled out any connection with his visit.
A 28-year-old man and his armed bodyguard were arrested at Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza after the man allegedly showed security personnel a suspicious identity card purportedly issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The incident occurred on Monday evening, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s event at the nearby Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex.
Mumbai Police, however, clarified that the incident had no connection with the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration of the Global Fintech Fest 2026.
HOW THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED
According to investigators, Rohan Parekh, who reportedly runs a drone technology business, entered Jio World Plaza while preparations for the event were underway.
His bodyguard, Dilip Kunde, arrived later but was stopped after the metal detector detected the firearm he was carrying.
Kunde then called Parekh, who returned to the entrance and allegedly showed security personnel an identity card purportedly issued by the PMO. The card identified Parekh as a “Grade C official”.
Security personnel found that the card mentioned its date of issue but not its validity period. It also carried the purported issuer’s signature without specifying the official’s designation, raising questions about its authenticity.
Parekh and Kunde were subsequently arrested. Police later found that Kunde’s firearm was licensed.
Parekh was produced before a court and remanded to police custody until September 11. Police are searching for a third person, Prathamesh Bagul, who is allegedly linked to the case.
DEFENCE CLAIMS PAREKH WAS DUPED
Parekh’s lawyer told the court that his client may have been duped into believing he had been appointed as a PMO adviser.
The defence claimed that Parekh had received purported appointment documents, official-looking emails and a screenshot of the identity card but was never given a physical copy.
The 28-year-old had also allegedly been instructed to hire a bodyguard.
The lawyer maintained that Parekh had visited the mall only to buy perfume for his fiance and cooperated with investigators after being contacted.
Parekh has handed over the relevant documents and communications for verification, the defence said.
CRIME BRANCH PROBES DOCUMENTS
An FIR has been registered at the BKC Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those relating to impersonating a public servant.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is examining CCTV footage and verifying Parekh’s documents and electronic communications.
Investigators are also trying to identify the source of the purported PMO credentials and determine whether Parekh knowingly used forged documents or was himself deceived.