Fake PMO card created using ChatGPT, breach at Modi's Mumbai event
During a search of Parikh's residence in Khar, several counterfeit documents linked to the PMO were recovered.
A 24-year-old businessman, Rohan Parikh, arrested for allegedly entering the Jio World Plaza in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, using a fake Prime Minister's Office (PMO) identity card, has admitted to preparing forged documents with the help of ChatGPT. Police officials provided this information to a magistrate court on Friday, five days after his arrest.
This incident occurred a day before the inauguration of the 'Global Fintech Fest 2026' at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, located close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Security arrangements in the area had been tightened in anticipation of the Prime Minister's event.
It is noteworthy that,
the police arrested Parikh and his personal security guard a day before the Prime Minister's potential visit to the Jio World Plaza in BKC, Mumbai. The security guard is a former military personnel. Both are accused of attempting to enter the premises while claiming to be associated with the PMO. A third individual, Prathamesh Bagul, who was with them, fled the scene and is currently wanted.
According to the police, Parikh showed the alleged PMO identity card to the security personnel at Jio World Plaza on September 7. It is claimed that a search of Google Takeout data extracted from his Redmi 5G mobile phone revealed searches related to preparing official correspondence from the PMO.
According to the police's remand application,
Parikh admitted that he had prepared the fake PMO identity card and related official documents with the help of ChatGPT in the year 2025. The police informed the court that Parikh did this to enhance his reputation within his family and social circles, strengthen his self-esteem, and impress others. In this case, Parikh's associate and former military personnel, 49-year-old Dilip Kunde, has also been arrested. Investigating officers are now trying to determine whether these forged documents were used to gain entry elsewhere or to obtain special privileges.
According to the police,
several forged documents in English related to the PMO were recovered during a search of Parikh's residence in Khar. Investigators also examined his mobile phone, which revealed multiple searches related to drafting correspondence connected to the Prime Minister's Office. The police informed the court that a detailed forensic examination of the seized mobile phone, laptop, and other electronic devices is underway.
This case came to light on September 7. On that day, around 4:50 PM, Parikh, Kunde, and another individual arrived at Jio World Plaza. Their third accomplice is currently reported to be at large. The mall's security personnel stopped the group after noticing a revolver with Kunde. This led to a dispute between the security personnel and the accused.
According to the police,
during the argument, Parikh claimed to be an official of the Prime Minister's Office and showed a digital identity card on his mobile phone. Upon investigation, this identity card was found to be fake. Despite the dispute, the three individuals managed to enter the mall for a brief period. There, they purchased a perfume and a wallet, after which they exited the premises.
The police tracked down Parikh using recordings from CCTV cameras in the mall and details of the vehicle used by the accused. He was arrested in Khar, while Kunde was apprehended separately. Kunde informed the investigating officers that the revolver found with him was his personal weapon, which he used professionally while working as Parikh's bodyguard.
The police informed the court that,
the weapon's license was issued for the Nashik rural area. However, officials clarified that no direct connection to Prime Minister Modi's event has emerged from the incident. Due to the proximity to the event venue and the timing of the incident, serious security concerns were initially raised.
The defense counsel informed the court that,
in 2024, an individual using the name Tarun Gupta or Tarun Kapoor contacted Parikh. This individual had offered him a consultant position related to defense policy. According to the defense, this person sent Parikh an appointment proposal letter, a digital identity card, and correspondence allegedly bearing the Prime Minister's signature. However, investigating officers stated that they have not yet found any evidence supporting such an appointment or alleged official communication. The police are investigating whether Parikh's claim is true or if he fabricated this story to conceal the real reason for creating or possessing forged documents.
Parikh, a resident of Khar, is a share broker by profession. He has studied in London, and his educational background is reported to be related to mathematics and science. The police had also stated earlier that they were investigating Parikh's interest in drone technology to determine if it had any connection to this case. On Friday, the police sought an extension of custody for Parikh and Kunde. They argued that further questioning of both was necessary to investigate the seized electronic devices, potential use of forged documents at other locations, and to apprehend the absconding accused.
The lawyers for both accused, Satish Maneshinde, opposed the police's request. He stated that the accused had already admitted to preparing the documents themselves and that their phones, laptops, and other materials had also been seized. The court found that the grounds presented by the police were insufficient for further custody. Subsequently, Parikh and Kunde were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.