Supreme Court Grants Bail to Man Accused of Posing as PM Modi’s Aide in Extortion Case

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Mohammad Kashif , accused in a money laundering and extortion case in which he allegedly impersonated a close aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers to influence people and collect money.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh set aside the Allahabad High Court’s February 5 order rejecting Kashif’s bail plea. The court noted that he had spent nearly three years in custody and granted relief after he undertook not to use the names of constitutional authorities or senior government officials in future.

The court directed Kashif to cooperate with the trial and said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could seek cancellation of bail if he violated conditions.

The ED registered the case on April 19, 2023, based on an FIR lodged at Surajpur police station in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, under charges of cheating , forgery and provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Investigators alleged Kashif used morphed photographs with the prime minister and Union ministers on Facebook and Instagram to falsely project political influence and extort money by promising jobs, contracts and official assistance.

The ED claimed surveillance linked to national security concerns had flagged his activities for nearly two years. It further alleged he secured contracts, including from Rajasthan government departments, by impersonating a politically connected individual.

Kashif was intercepted by Noida police while travelling in a Mercedes car, and three mobile phones were recovered. Investigators also cited forged invitation cards for PM Modi’s 2019 oath-taking ceremony and an official lunch event.

The ED alleged more than Rs 1.10 crore recovered from linked premises constituted proceeds of crime.