Delhi man booked for misusing PM Modi’s name in emails to Isro, Pentagon

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a Delhi-based man, Nisheeth Kohli, who allegedly sent emails to Indian and foreign agencies claiming he had the “blessings” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help develop an indigenous military jet engine, CNN‑News18 reported.

According to the FIR, these emails were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Isro, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Drdo, and even the Pentagon, under the pretence of official approval and backing. The PMO lodged a complaint last March after receiving a copy of one such email, which triggered the investigation over a year after the messages were first sent.

“Kohli has claimed that he wanted to help the Government of India to explore the development of an indigenous military jet engine,” the FIR noted. He also stated he “has the blessings and best wishes of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to proceed with this project.” The complaint highlighted that the emails misused the names of both the Prime Minister and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

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Who was contacted and what was claimed

A preliminary inquiry revealed that Kohli not only targeted Indian defence and space agencies but also reached out to Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff at the Pentagon, repeating the same claims of expertise and official backing.

In his messages, Kohli described himself as a textile chemistry engineer from the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences (TITS), Bhiwani, 2002 batch, saying that he could assist Isro, Drdo, and other government bodies in developing a jet engine if given the opportunity.

The CBI has booked him under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2010, which deals with cheating by personation using electronic means.