The fake PMO official, who was arrested after trying to enter the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's event, allegedly thought he was genuinely working for the Prime Minster's Office, his lawyer told a Mumbai court.
The man, identified as Rahul Parekh, 24, entered the Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex on Monday, a day before the PM's event was scheduled to take place. However, Mumbai Police have clarified that the incident was not linked to PM Modi's event.
The lawyer told the court that one Tarun Kapoor allegedly offered Parekh a role in the PMO concerning Defence Acquisition Policy. He also received an alleged email from an Additional Secretary in the PMO.
Parekh's lawyer said he submitted all communications and documents to the police for verification.
Parekh's alleged bodyguard, Dilip Kunde, who arrived at the venue later was carrying a gun. After finding the firearm, the security personnel grew suspicious.
Following this, Kunde called Parekh, who came back to the entrance and produced his ID card. It identified him as a Grade C PMO official. However, validity date and designation of issuer were missing in the card, which later turned out to be fake.
The lawyer also claimed that Parekh was instructed to appoint a personal bodyguard in December 2024. On Monday, Parekh reportedly went to Jio World Centre to purchase perfume for his fiancée.
Parekh was sent to police custody till September 11. The case is being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
