Man Poses as Senior PMO Officer, Demands Free CCTV Systems

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an inquiry into an alleged impersonation and extortion attempt involving a man who posed as a senior official of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The investigation follows a complaint concerning attempts to pressure CP Plus, a security and surveillance company, into providing expensive CCTV systems at heavily discounted prices or free of cost.

The complaint involves Aditya Khemka, managing director of CP Plus, whose company was allegedly targeted by an individual identified as Manish Kumar Gupta.

How Did the Accused Impersonate a Senior PMO Official?

According to officials, Gupta allegedly presented himself as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer holding a senior position in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Using this claimed government authority, he approached executives of CP Plus and allegedly demanded the installation of high-end indoor and outdoor CCTV surveillance systems at a residential property purportedly belonging to his parents.

The accused reportedly insisted that the surveillance equipment be provided either without payment or at exceptionally low prices. The demands were allegedly accompanied by pressure on company representatives to comply with his instructions.

Investigators are examining the allegations following a formal complaint received by the Prime Minister’s Office.

How Were CP Plus Executives Allegedly Threatened?

The matter became more serious when CP Plus personnel and associated vendors sought clarification regarding the proposed installation and the demands being made.

Instead of providing the requested information, Gupta allegedly threatened them with serious official consequences if they failed to cooperate. The threats were reportedly made verbally, with the accused relying on his claimed association with the PMO to exert pressure on those involved.

Vendors initially prepared estimates offering substantial discounts for the surveillance systems. However, the proposed work was eventually stopped following continued harassment and alleged coercion. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office through a complaint.

The allegations concern the suspected misuse of a senior government designation to obtain commercial services on favourable terms through intimidation.

What Did the PMO Verification Reveal?

Following the complaint, the Prime Minister’s Office conducted a verification exercise to establish whether the person claiming official authority was genuinely associated with the government office. The verification established that no individual named Manish Kumar had served as a joint secretary in the PMO.

The findings raised questions about Gupta’s alleged claims of government authority and the threats reportedly made to company executives and vendors. The CBI has initiated an investigation into the alleged impersonation and extortion attempt.

The case centres on whether the accused deliberately misrepresented his official position to influence a private company and obtain costly surveillance equipment without paying the normal commercial price.

The investigation will examine the allegations surrounding his claimed identity, demands for CCTV installation and reported threats against company representatives.