The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a Delhi-based man, Nisheeth Kohli. He allegedly sent emails to Indian and foreign agencies while falsely claiming official backing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CNN-News18 reported.

Investigators said Kohli claimed he could help develop an indigenous military jet engine. He also said he had the “blessings” of the Prime Minister for the project.

Emails Sent to Top Government Bodies

According to the FIR, Kohli sent emails to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Isro, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Drdo). He also allegedly emailed officials in the United States, including the Pentagon.

The emails suggested that the project had official approval. They also created the impression that senior authorities supported his proposal.

PMO Complaint Triggered Probe

The PMO received a copy of one such email last March. Officials then filed a complaint. This complaint triggered a detailed investigation, more than a year after the emails were first sent.

The FIR said the emails misused the names of the Prime Minister and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Claims Made in the Emails

The FIR stated, “Kohli has claimed that he wanted to help the Government of India to explore the development of an indigenous military jet engine.”

It also noted that he said he “has the blessings and best wishes of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to proceed with this project.”

Contact With Pentagon Official

A preliminary inquiry showed that Kohli contacted Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff at the Pentagon. He allegedly repeated the same claims of expertise and official support in those messages.

Investigators said he followed a similar pattern while writing to Indian agencies.

How Kohli Described Himself

In his emails, Kohli introduced himself as a textile chemistry engineer. He claimed to be a 2002 batch graduate of the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences (TITS), Bhiwani.

He said he could assist ISRO, DRDO, and other government bodies if authorities allowed him to work on the jet engine project.

Charges Filed by CBI

The CBI has booked Kohli under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It has also invoked Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2010.

This section deals with cheating by personation using electronic means. The investigation is ongoing.