Scam 2003- The Telgi Story: All You Need To Know About Mastermind Abdul Karim Telgi & The Stamp Paper Scam

Scam 2023: In a much-anticipated release, the trailer for Scam 2003: The Telgi Story has been unveiled, featuring theater actor Gagan Dev Riar in the role of the mastermind, Abdul Karim Telgi. This forthcoming thriller series is a successor to the highly successful 2020 show Scam 1992, directed by Hansal Mehta.

The infamous Stamp Paper Scam, commonly referred to as the Telgi Scam, unfolded as a financial scandal that originated in 1992, ultimately coming to light in 2003. This elaborate scheme involved a meticulously orchestrated counterfeit stamp paper racket that operated across multiple Indian states, amounting to an estimated worth of Rs 30,000 crore.

Following the success of the 2020 web series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, Sony LIV unveiled the trailer for Scam 2003: The Telgi Story on August 4. This new installment delves into the high-profile financial fraud perpetrated by Abdul Karim Telgi.

Who Is Abdul Karim Telgi

Born on July 29, 1961, in Belgaum, Karnataka, Abdul Karim Telgi faced early adversity with the demise of his father, an Indian railways employee. To support his education, Telgi sold fruits and vegetables on trains before moving to Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to India after a seven-year hiatus, he started a counterfeiting career.

His initial endeavors revolved around forging passports and documents and facilitating the export of labor from India to Saudi Arabia through his venture, Arabian Metro Travels. Eventually, Telgi shifted his focus to the counterfeit of stamp papers.

Stamp Paper

Stamp papers, legally validated under the Indian Stamp Act of 1899, are pre-printed documents carrying stamp revenue. These papers come in two categories: Judicial and Non-Judicial stamps. While judicial stamps serve to fulfill court fees in civil cases, non-judicial stamps are utilized when crafting various agreements such as rent agreements and gift deeds. Issued by the government, these stamp papers bear different denominations - Rs 10, Rs 100, and Rs 500 - with corresponding fees channeled to state governments.

Stamp Paper Scam

The Stamp Paper Scam set into motion by Telgi in 1992 unfolded on dual fronts. One aspect involved fabricating counterfeit stamp documents, while the other aimed at at shortage of legitimate stamp paper, thereby providing an opportunity for Telgi's counterfeit supply.

Investigations revealed Telgi's collaboration with Indian Security Press officials in Maharashtra through bribery. This alliance aimed to artificially create a scarcity of genuine documents while obtaining machinery and materials crucial for forging fake papers. The extensive range of counterfeit documents encompassed stamp papers, judicial court fee stamps, revenue stamps, adhesive stamps, foreign bills, insurance policies, share transfer certificates, and various other legal instruments, collectively amassing an estimated value of over Rs 30,000 crore.

How Did The Conspiracy Unveil

The scam first came to light in August 2000, when two individuals transporting counterfeit stamp papers were caught in Bengaluru's Cottonpet area. Subsequent interrogations by law enforcement led to the unearthing of the scam, triggering raids that exposed counterfeit stamp papers and legal documents exceeding Rs 9 crore in value. During this period, Abdul Karim Telgi remained a suspect.

Telgi's Arrest

Between 1992 and 2002, multiple cases related to counterfeit stamps were registered against Telgi in Maharashtra alone, with additional cases spanning various states. However, no serious action against Telgi was taken.

In November 2001, Telgi was finally arrested after a tip that revealed his pilgrimage journey to Ajmer, Rajasthan. Subsequent investigations unveiled the complete scam. Telgi initially hinted at his role as a minor figure within a more extensive network involving high-ranking officials, including politicians and law enforcement personnel. In response, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established "STAMPIT," a dedicated unit led by IPS Officer Sri Kumar, to delve into the conspiracy.

With a charge sheet filed against Telgi by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2004, he was imprisoned, hindering SIT's interrogation. Notably, reports emerged suggesting that Telgi continued orchestrating operations from within the prison. In 2017, revelations surfaced that two prison officials were convicted for supplying mobile phones to Telgi.

Telgi's Death & Acquittal

Abdul Karim Telgi passed away on October 23, 2017, due to multiple organ failures at Bengaluru's Victoria Hospital. Battling with prolonged health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and meningitis, his demise marked the conclusion of a controversial chapter.

A year following Telgi's death, on December 31, 2018, the Nashik session court in Maharashtra acquitted Telgi and seven others implicated in the Stamp Paper Scam case. The presiding judge, P R Deshmukh, ruled that the evidence against them was insufficient.

About Scam 2003

While Hansal Mehta serves as the creative director of the series, Tushar Hiranandani has directed Scam 2003. Produced by Sameer Nair's Applause Entertainment, the series is set to premiere on SonyLIV on September 1. The show promises to unravel the intricate web woven by Abdul Karim Telgi and provide audiences with a captivating narrative of one of India's most notorious financial scandals.