Impersonation and Forgery Uncovered in Alleged Government Contract Scam
In a grave instance of financial deception, the Bandra Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five individuals accused of defrauding a businessman of ₹6 crore by falsely promising a government tender worth ₹150 crore. The accused allegedly impersonated senior officials from the state ministry and substantiated their claims using forged documents, including a fabricated Government Resolution (GR), thereby lending legitimacy to the fraudulent scheme.
According to police sources, the complaint was lodged by 45-year-old businessman Tufail Idris Khan, proprietor of NDDS Private Limited. One of the accused, Nitin Gupta, had been employed at Khan’s firm as a labour consultant and is said to have introduced the remaining four, Ramesh Bansode, Balaji Pawar, Uddhav Bhamre, and Kaustubh Bhamre, as senior IAS officers, officers on special duty (OSDs) to ministers, and high-ranking officials from Mantralaya. The group purportedly assured Khan of securing a ₹150 crore government contract under the guise of a state hospital renovation initiative.
To facilitate the purported deal, the accused allegedly demanded substantial commissions. Convinced of the offer’s authenticity, Khan reportedly mobilised ₹6 crore through personal and professional networks, including friends, family, and business associates. The funds were allegedly handed over near Mantralaya using pre-arranged vehicles, further reinforcing the illusion of official involvement.
Subsequently, the group is said to have provided Khan with a pen drive containing what they claimed was an official GR confirming the contract. However, upon legal scrutiny, the document was found to be counterfeit. When Khan raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the deal, Balaji Pawar and others allegedly resorted to intimidation in an attempt to suppress the matter.
Following these developments, Khan filed a formal complaint, prompting the Bandra Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation. Authorities are currently probing the extent of impersonation, the use of forged documentation, and the possibility of any genuine links to Mantralaya being exploited. The case underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance against tender-related fraud in the private sector.
Editor’s Note:
Tender fraud poses a serious threat to business integrity and public trust. When individuals impersonate government officials and use forged documents to lure companies into fictitious deals, it undermines both institutional credibility and private enterprise. Vigilance, verification, and legal due diligence are crucial when entering into contracts that claim government backing.
In this case, the accused allegedly exploited official titles and forged a Government Resolution to extract large sums of money under false pretences. Skoobuzz assert that such incidents call for stronger safeguards and prompt legal action to deter future misconduct. Businesses must remain cautious and report any suspicious activity without delay.
