Fake stamp paper kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi dies

Multi-crore fake stamp paper mastermind Abdul Karim Telgi died in hospital on Thursday.

Multi-crore fake stamp paper mastermind Abdul Karim Telgi died in hospital on Thursday due to multiple organ complications, police said.

Abdul Karim Telgi, the prime accused in the multi billion fake stamp paper scam, died in a Bengaluru hospital. (AP File Photo)

“He (Telgi) was admitted to Victoria Hospital last week. He was in coma since Monday and passed away at the hospital at around 3.55 p.m.,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) SD Sharanappa told reporters.

Telgi, 56, was a convict in the Parapanna Agrahara Central Jail, was serving a 30-year sentence since 2007.

A diabetic with hypertension, jail authorities had admitted Telgi to the state-run Victoria Hospital last week after he had complained of uneasiness and difficulty in breathing.

Telgi shot into notoriety after his counterfeit racket, spanning several states and estimated to amount to crores of rupees, was busted.

After illegally printing stamp papers, Telgi sold them to bulk purchasers, including banks, insurance firms, and stock brokerage firms.