Mumbai: A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the Jio World Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) using a forged Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) identity card, shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the venue.

According to Mumbai Police, the accused, identified as Rohan Parekh, attempted to enter the venue on September 7. Security personnel became suspicious of his identity documents and conducted a verification, following which the PMO identity card was found to be forged.

The incident has raised security concerns ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration of the Global Fintech Fest 2026 at the Jio World Centre.

Forged identity card raises suspicion

Parekh reportedly arrived at the venue and tried to gain entry by presenting an identity card claiming to be associated with the Prime Minister’s Office.

Security personnel deployed at the venue noticed irregularities in the document and stopped him for further verification. During the checking process, the identity card was found to be fake.

Police subsequently took Parekh into custody for questioning.

The case became more serious after a firearm was reportedly recovered from the possession of his bodyguard. Following the recovery, a case was registered against both Parekh and his bodyguard at the BKC police station.

Crime Branch takes over probe

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the incident.

Investigators are examining how Parekh obtained the forged PMO identity card and why he attempted to enter a high-security venue using the document. Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the firearm allegedly carried by his bodyguard.

Authorities are expected to verify the backgrounds of both individuals and establish whether they had any legitimate connection to the event or the Prime Minister’s Office.

The investigation will also focus on whether the attempt was connected in any way to Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit to the venue.

PM Modi to inaugurate Global Fintech Fest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the seventh edition of the Global Fintech Fest 2026 at the Jio World Centre and address participants at the event.

The conference is scheduled to continue until September 11 and is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the financial technology ecosystem.

Policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology companies and investors are participating in the conference, which will focus on emerging developments in the financial and technology sectors.

Key areas of discussion are expected to include agentic artificial intelligence, tokenisation and quantum technology.

Security tightened ahead of event

The attempted entry using a forged identity card comes ahead of a major event attended by senior government officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders.

Security arrangements at the venue are therefore expected to remain stringent during the Prime Minister’s visit and throughout the fintech conference.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of identity verification and access-control measures at venues hosting high-profile events.

While the motive behind the alleged attempt remains under investigation, the Crime Branch is examining all possible angles to determine whether the accused had any specific purpose in trying to gain access with a forged PMO credential and an alleged weapon-carrying bodyguard.

Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.