Twist in BKC PMO security breach: Lawyers claim suspect was duped by fake 'secret research' email

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s event at Jio World Plaza in BKC, the city police on Monday arrested a 24-year-old Khar resident and his private security guard, an ex-Army serviceman, for entering the premises claiming to be associated with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A third person accompanying them managed to flee.

The arrested persons have been identified as Khar resident Rohan Parikh, a science graduate, and his security guard Dilip Kunde. The third accused, Worli’s Prathamesh Bagul (26), is on the run.

According to the remand application submitted to the court, Kunde was carrying a firearm when the mall’s security personnel stopped them from entering.


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Parikh allegedly then showed his identity card, claiming to be from the PMO, following which the three were allowed inside.

Parikh’s lawyers submitted that he might himself have been duped into believing that he was working for the Prime Minister’s Office. He told the police that he suspected the email sender could be fake. They said Parikh had told the police earlier that his PMO identity card was genuine and he was working as a scientist on confidential research after being appointed by a senior PMO official whose identity, he claimed, could not be disclosed at this stage.

Public prosecutor Kranti Kumbhar opposed the plea, maintaining that the PMO identity card was fake and that investigators needed custody to determine how it was procured and the motive behind it.

The security staff subsequently alerted BKC police after senior officers received information about the trio. Police examined the CCTV footage and traced the vehicle used by them. Investigators identified Parikh using the vehicle registration and mobile number details and subsequently went to his Khar residence, where he was arrested. During questioning, Parikh allegedly identified Kunde and Bagul as the two men accompanying him.

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The matter was subsequently handed over to the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU). Police have invoked provisions relating to impersonation, forgery, and use of forged documents, alleging that Parikh used a fabricated PMO identity card to gain entry into the premises.

On Tuesday, CIU senior inspector Milind Kaate produced Parikh and Kunde before the 37th Metropolitan Magistrate, Mumbai, seeking their police custody. The prosecution sought four days of custody, saying they needed to establish where the alleged fake PMO identity card was obtained, who prepared it, and the motive behind the accused allegedly attempting to gain entry into the premises.

The court was told that the identity card allegedly shown by Parikh did not mention the designation of the issuing officer. It carried an issue date but no expiry date. Police have seized the card.

Police also seized a revolver from Kunde. Police are examining the source and legality of the firearm. A mobile phone has also been seized from the accused. Investigators plan to extract its contents and examine calls, messages, and other electronic communications to establish the alleged conspiracy and determine the respective roles of the three men.

During preliminary questioning, Kunde allegedly told the police that he had been working as Parikh’s private security guard for around a year and was being paid Rs 1.20 lakh per month. Kunde, who hails from Nashik, is a former Army serviceman.

Parikh’s lawyers Anandini Fernandes and Namita Maneshinde told the court that their client had gone to the mall privately to purchase a perfume and denied that he had any connection with the Prime Minister’s visit. The defence claimed Parikh had engaged private security from Dec 2025 after allegedly receiving threats from unknown persons.

Magistrate D S Khedekar remanded both accused to police custody till Sept 11. In its order, the court noted that the presence of the accused in an area associated with the Prime Minister’s programme, coupled with the recovery of a firearm from the guard in the restricted premises, warranted further interrogation.

The court observed that the investigation had progressed with the seizure of the identity card and firearm, but custodial interrogation was required to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Parikh is reportedly involved in share trading. His uncle, Amal Parikh, is involved in supplying digital chips used in the manufacture of drones.

Parikh’s parents and uncle were present in court during the proceedings but declined to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, advocate Satish Maneshinde, on behalf of Parikh, issued a statement saying that the allegations concerned a sensitive subject and that a response would be issued after due verification and investigation. He maintained that Parikh’s visit to Jio World Plaza was “totally private”.