Published: 11:21 PM, 08 September 2026
Gunman held at PM Modi's Mumbai event venue
Security was stepped up in Mumbai on Tuesday after two men were detained at the venue where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the seventh edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026. A gun was recovered from one of the men during security checks, officials said.
The incident occurred at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), where Prime Minister Modi was expected to attend the high-profile event. According to Mumbai Police, one of the detained men was allegedly posing as an official of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and was carrying a forged identity card.
The man was identified as 24-year-old Rohan Parekh. Police became suspicious of his movements during security screening at the venue. On checking his credentials, security personnel reportedly discovered that the identity card he possessed was fake.
Parekh was accompanied by another man who claimed to be his personal bodyguard. During the security check, police found a firearm in the bodyguard's possession. Both men were subsequently detained for questioning. Police said the recovered firearm was licensed.
The incident prompted an immediate security response at the venue, with authorities intensifying checks and surveillance ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival. The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation to determine why the two men were present at the high-security venue and how they obtained access.
Officials are also examining the authenticity and origin of the forged PMO identification card and verifying the circumstances surrounding the firearm. No official information has suggested that the two men posed a direct threat to the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on Tuesday evening. The four-day conference, being held from September 8 to 11, brings together participants from the financial technology sector.
The detention has nevertheless raised fresh questions about security arrangements at high-profile events attended by senior national leaders. Authorities are expected to review security procedures and access-control measures following the incident.
Further details about the suspects, their alleged motives and possible charges are expected as the Mumbai Crime Branch continues its investigation.
