Rohan Parikh, a 24-year-old businessman who was arrested with a fake Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) identity card in Mumbai, told police that he used ChatGPT to prepare the fake credentials and other official-looking documents. Police informed the Magistrate court on Friday, 11th September, that Parikh had been making such documents since 2025.
According to the police, Parikh said he created the fake PMO identity to raise his social standing, improve his self-esteem and impress people in his family and social circle.
Police investigate possible use of fake credentials
Parikh and 49-year-old Dilip Kunde, a former Army personnel, were arrested after they were stopped during a security check at Jio World Plaza in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). A third person who was with them remains absconding.
Police searched Parikh’s home in Khar and recovered several forged English-language documents connected to the PMO. Investigators also checked his phone and found searches related to preparing PMO correspondence.
The Crime Branch is now checking whether the fake identity and documents were used at any other locations to gain entry or receive special privileges. Police are also looking into Parikh’s interest in drone technology.
Parikh’s lawyers, however, have presented another version of events. They told the court that a man calling himself Tarun Gupta or Tarun Kapoor contacted Parikh in 2024 and offered him an advisory position on defence policy. The man reportedly sent an offer letter, a digital ID card and letters said to be from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Investigators said they have not found any evidence confirming that appointment or the supposed communication. Police are checking whether Parikh was actually misled by the person or whether this explanation was being used to cover up the real reason behind the fake documents.
Parikh, who lives in Khar and works as a share broker, studied in London and has a background in mathematics and science.
Court sends Parikh and Kunde to judicial custody
Police had sought more custody of Parikh and Kunde to examine seized electronic devices, find out whether the fake credentials were used elsewhere and trace the third person.
Their lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, opposed the request, saying the police had already seized their phones, laptop and other material and that the accused had admitted to preparing the documents.
The court rejected the request for further police custody and sent both men to 14-day judicial custody. Parikh and Kunde have also applied for bail. The prosecution has been asked to file its response by 17th September.
How the case came to light
The case came to light on 7th September, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest 2026 at the nearby Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).
At around 4.50 pm, Parikh reached Jio World Plaza with Kunde and another associate. Security had been tightened ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Security staff stopped the group after noticing that Kunde was carrying a revolver. During the argument, Parikh claimed to be a PMO official and showed a digital identity card. Verification found that the card was fake.
The three men still briefly entered the mall and bought a perfume and a wallet before leaving. CCTV footage and vehicle details later helped investigators trace Parikh to Khar, while Kunde was arrested separately.
On 8th September, Mumbai Police confirmed that two people had been detained in connection with the incident, including a 24-year-old man claiming to be a PMO official and a bodyguard carrying a gun. The Mumbai Crime Branch then took up the investigation.
