Voice of deception

The money had disappeared within a few hours, which characterized the beginning of one of the most bizarre and most permanent financial scandal in India. The man who received the money was Rustom Sohrab Nagarwala, a former army officer. He was arrested that night and confessed during the survey that he had embodied the Prime Minister. But the confession only deepened the secret. How could a man of India's largest bank to be in the public sector to hand over such a massive amount? Why does the cashier Ved Prakash Malhotra check the identity of the caller? And how could Nagarwala Indira Gandhi's voice imitate so convincingly?

The government quickly pursued the process. Nagarwala was convicted within 20 days and sentenced to four years in prison. Before an appeal could be submitted – or a thorough examination – he died under mysterious circumstances in custody less than a year later. The official thing was a heart attack, but the speculation about a foul is never completely depressed.

The case has reappeared in recent years The fraud that shakes a nation (Harpercollins, 2024), A book by the experienced journalist Rashed Kidwai and retired civil servant Prakash Patra. Based on newly released documents, the authors suggest that the 60 pound -Lakh could have been part of a hidden intelligence fund that is connected to the Bangladesh -Liberation War. Some argue that Nagarwala is a scapegoat; Others believe that he is a fixer with access to powerful circles.

The core secret remains unresolved. Was it an elaborate fraud or a hidden operation that went wrong? The silence of the most important witnesses and the refusal of the government to reopen the case only drives doubts.

Five unresolved questions that are still pursuing the case:

1. How did Nagarwala replicated the prime minister's voice perfectly?

2. Why does the cashier not follow the bank's standard verification procedure?

3. What was the true origin and the final goal of the RS 60 Lakh?

4. Did Nagarwala act alone or protect someone else?

5. Why was the case closed so quickly without a complete examination?

Why is it still important

The Nagarwala case was not just a fraud – it revealed how easy electricity the protocol can handle. It blurred the border between political influence and institutional responsibility.

In today's world of digital banking, cyber fraud and phishing fraud, the case serves as a frightening memory: even without fake documents or chopped systems, authority can be armed alone.

While the case exceeds the 50-year-old brand, one question remains unanswered: was India's first major political banking scandal ever really solved?

This piece is based on historical records, including The fraud that shakes a nation by Probash Patra and Rashed Kidwai (Harpercollins, 2024).

The article is written by Hariom, an intern at the University of Hyderabad