Rohan Parekh may have been 'conned' into believing he had genuine PMO role, lawyer tells court

Rohan Parekh, who was arrested for allegedly using a suspicious Prime Minister's Office (PMO) identity card to gain entry to Mumbai's Jio World Plaza, may himself have been "conned" into believing that he had a legitimate government role, his lawyer told a court.

Parekh was arrested after the Mumbai Crime Branch began investigating the circumstances surrounding his alleged use of the identity card. The case came to light after a man accompanying him, described as his bodyguard, was reportedly stopped while carrying a firearm.

Defence says Parekh received offer letter and ID card

Appearing for Parekh, his lawyer told the court that his client had received an offer letter, identity card and other official-looking communications that allegedly led him to believe he had been appointed to a genuine PMO-related position.

The defence argued that Parekh may have been "conned" into believing the documents and the purported government appointment were genuine. The lawyer maintained that Parekh therefore did not knowingly impersonate a government official or deliberately misrepresent his position.

The defence also pointed to a letter allegedly bearing the signature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that such communications reinforced Parekh's belief that the appointment was legitimate.

Police question authenticity of documents

Police, however, have raised questions over the authenticity of the documents. During the investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch reportedly found discrepancies in the PMO identity card allegedly used by Parekh.

The Crime Branch is now investigating the origin of the documents, how they were issued to Parekh and whether he was aware that they were allegedly fake. The authenticity of the purported offer letter and other communications cited by the defence will also be examined as part of the probe.

Bodyguard's firearm led to scrutiny

The matter came under the scanner after Parekh's alleged bodyguard was stopped while carrying a firearm. The incident prompted authorities to examine Parekh's credentials and the reason for his presence at the high-profile Mumbai location.

The investigation subsequently focused on the suspicious PMO identity card and the circumstances in which Parekh allegedly obtained and used it.

Investigation continues

The defence has maintained that Parekh genuinely believed the position offered to him was legitimate and that there was no deliberate attempt to deceive authorities.

However, the allegations remain under investigation. The Crime Branch is examining the alleged firearm possession by Parekh's bodyguard, the authenticity of the PMO-related documents and whether Parekh knowingly participated in any impersonation or fraud.