
On December 30, 2024, the Special Judge for CBI Cases sentenced five individuals to three years’ imprisonment and imposed a total fine of ₹2.5 lakh in connection with the infamous Telgi Bogus Stamp Scam. The convicted individuals include Smt. Falguni Ben Babubhai Patel, Kishore Kumar Purshottambhai Patel, Prashant Nangappa Patil, Amzad Ali, and Shailh Zakir Hussain.
Charges and Offences
The five were found guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery of stamps, cheating, and possession of forged documents.
Background of the Case
The Telgi Stamp Scam, one of India’s most notorious financial frauds, was uncovered in 2001. The scam involved the circulation of counterfeit stamp papers, court fee stamps, and share transfer stamps in Ahmedabad and Surat, Gujarat. Both licensed and unlicensed stamp vendors knowingly sold forged stamps, causing a significant economic impact and undermining public trust.
The scam came to light following raids on stamp vendors in Surat and Ahmedabad. Authorities seized large quantities of bogus stamps during the operation. Investigations revealed the involvement of two offices, operating under the names “Sadguru Services” and “Sahay Services,” as hubs for the counterfeit operations.
CBI Investigation and Court Proceedings
The case was initially investigated by the CID Crime, Gandhinagar Zone, Gujarat, before being handed over to the CBI. A total of 16 individuals were charged in the scam. During the trial, two of the accused passed away. Nine others were convicted earlier in separate judgments:
- Judgment on August 20, 2008: Five individuals, including Shabbir Ahmed Sheikh and Khalid Ahmed, were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and fined ₹25,000 each.
- Judgment on March 19, 2009: Three individuals, including A.K.L. Telgi, the mastermind, were sentenced to seven years in jail and fined ₹35,000 each, while another accused received a five-year sentence with a fine of ₹30,000.
- Judgment on August 4, 2010: Accused Raju Nayak was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Final Verdict
The recent sentencing of the five accused brings the total number of convictions in the case to 14. The court’s decision highlights the serious nature of the scam and reinforces the importance of accountability.
CBI’s Commitment to Justice
The conviction underscores the Central Bureau of Investigation’s determination to combat corruption and fraudulent activities. By holding individuals accountable, the CBI aims to protect the integrity of public institutions and restore faith in the rule of law.
The Telgi Bogus Stamp Scam serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of financial fraud and the ongoing efforts needed to prevent such activities.