The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai crime branch has apprehended two individuals for allegedly creating a forged letter that bore the signature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an attempt to extort ₹4 lakh from a social worker. The suspects were taken into custody while attempting to collect the extortion money in Worli on Saturday evening.

The individuals arrested have been identified as Tausif Patel, aged 44, and Siddhinath Pandey, also known as Sunil, aged 43, both of whom reside in Goregaon.

According to police reports, the victim operates a non-governmental organization that offers educational assistance to underprivileged children and supports old age homes and orphanages. The accused reportedly contacted the victim in March, posing as journalists via social media platforms.

Pursuant to the allegations, Patel sent a voice message through WhatsApp, claiming he could facilitate a birthday greeting letter from the Prime Minister’s Office. On March 20, the victim received a forged congratulatory letter, after which the suspects began pressuring him to pay the ₹4 lakh. The complainant initially shared the letter online but subsequently removed it following concerns raised by friends regarding its authenticity, as reported by a police spokesperson.

The accused persistently solicited funds from the victim by repeatedly sending voice notes and text messages. In response, the victim approached the Worli police and lodged a complaint against them on charges of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and extortion. The case was subsequently referred to the Anti-Extortion Cell for a deeper investigation. An AEC official devised a plan and arrested the suspects as they arrived to collect the extorted funds. Investigations are ongoing.

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