Thu Jan 01 12:52:46 UTC 2026: Headline: Delhi Resident Accused of Impersonating PMO in Jet Engine Scheme
New Delhi – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opened a case against Nisheeth Kohli, a resident of Vasant Kunj, South Delhi, for allegedly impersonating officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in an attempt to develop a fighter aircraft engine for India.
According to the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR), Kohli, identifying himself as a textile chemistry engineer, contacted numerous senior executives and scientists across government-owned defense firms, research bodies, and even a top officer of the U.S. Navy between October and December 2024. Kohli claimed to have the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Principal Secretary, P.K. Mishra, to develop an indigenous military jet engine.
Kohli’s emails targeted organizations including Premier Explosives Ltd., the Aeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). He assured recipients of his ability to contribute to the highly specialized field of jet-engine development.
The CBI investigation was launched following a complaint from the Director in the PMO, A.K. Sharma, who flagged the alleged misuse of the Prime Minister and Principal Secretary’s names for professional purposes. The investigation revealed a broad email trail originating from Kohli’s Gmail account, with copies sent to senior officials to lend an air of legitimacy to his claims.
The CBI is currently investigating Kohli for offenses of cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The motive behind the emails and the scheme remain under investigation.
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