Who is Rohan Parikh? Fake PMO Officer Claims He Was Scammed After Getting Arrested With Armed Bodyguard in Mumbai

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THE MUMBAI POLICE on Monday, September 7, 2026, detained a man impersonating an official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and his “bodyguard,” while they were entering the Jio World Plaza at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The fake PMO officer has been identified as Rohan Premal Parikh, who was carrying a forged identity card and an alleged government job offer. His bodyguard, Dilip Rajaram Kunde, was carrying a gun, raising concerns about PM Narendra Modi’s security ahead of his visit to the Jio World Convention Centre on the next day for inaugurating Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026.

According to the police, Parikh entered BKC when preparations were underway for the PM's visit. His bodyguard, Kunde, arrived later with a firearm but was stopped at the metal detector check. Kunde then called Parikh, who returned to the entry showing his identity card to security personnel. 

The police claim Parikh was listed as a Grade C official to the PMO in his fake ID. However, there were several discrepancies like date of issue is mentioned without validity date and no mention of the designation of the issuer who signed it.

A complaint was lodged in the BKC Police Station against the two and another accomplice, Prathamesh Ganesh Bagul, who remains absconding. Charges of impersonation, conspiracy, and fraud under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were invoked against the three. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch claimed it was a serious threat to PM’s security and is investigating the case as search for the third accused is underway.

See Also: AI-Generated Documents, Luxury Cars and  Pakistan Links: 5 People Who Were Arrested for Posing as Fake IAS and IPS Officers

Parikh’s Defense Says He Was Conned

The Esplanade Court in Mumbai heard the case on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Parikh’s lawyer claimed that his client genuinely believed he had been offered an official role in the PMO. The defense presented him as the victim of a fraud, accusing a person named Tarun Kapoor of offering an advisory role to Parikh. He even received a confirmation email concerning the “Defence Acquisition Policy” from a person identified as Tarun Gupta.

The defense further states that Parikh received various other communications that seemed official including an offer letter, an identity card, a letter allegedly signed by the Prime Minister, Emails sent by “senior government officials,” and more. 

Another striking claim made by the defense was that the PMO identity card was not physically issued. Rather, he received a screenshot of the card and believed it to be the genuine document. Parikh’s lawyer claims to have handed over the communications and documents to the investigating officer along with other contact details.

Who is Rohan Parikh?

Rohan Parikh, 24 years old, was caught on September 7, 2026, on the charges of impersonation, fraud, conspiracy and other relevant sections of BNS. According to reports and online available information, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Finance from City St. George’s, University of London. He reportedly also attended Blundell’s school in London for High School. 

Parikh’s education background has come under light after his defense argued he was the victim of an elaborate scam. The Mumbai Crime Branch is validating his claims and examining CCTV footage from Jio World Plaza.

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