The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Telgi ran racket like corporate, says CBI

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 30, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Telgi ran racket like corporate, says CBI

K.T.Sangameswaran

The charge sheet says he employed marketing executives

CHENNAI : Systematic planning, establishment of "offices" in posh areas, employment of educated persons as "marketing executives" and use of modern telecommunication formed part of the operations of A.K.Telgi, the alleged brain behind the "fake stamp paper" scam.

Telgi, who went by the name `Big Boss' in his circle, visited Chennai when offices were established for selling counterfeit stamps, the charge sheet filed by CBI before the court here said.

It said the accused planned systematically and conducted his operations "on the lines similar to any corporate." Telgi and his associates established their offices, employed educated persons as "marketing executives" and trained them on areas of work. Similarly, girls were hired for effective telemarketing. Proper despatch section and delivery system were maintained for "timely delivery [of fake stamp papers] to clients." Counterfeit stamps were well secured at storage points known only to one or two trusted associates. There was systematic collection of sale proceeds. Prospective buyers of genuine stamps were surveyed before making the initial approach.

When the offices were established, Telgi visited Chennai. He briefed the "marketing executives" about the strategy they should adopt. He came to the city twice a month, but later he reduced the periodicity of visits to once in two months. He allegedly instructed Abdul Wahid, an accused, to open offices in Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore and Madurai.

The charge sheet said investigation revealed that in 1994, Telgi obtained licence for vending stamp papers. He started selling fake stamps in Mumbai. His illegal activity flourished and it was extended to Tamil Nadu through one Nizamuddin of Chennai, another accused, who was made in charge of the "business." Later, Wahid came here at the instance of the "Big Boss."

The leader and Wahid had used 60-70 SIM cards from an outlet in Annanagar in different names to conceal their identities, the charge sheet said.

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