The Mastermind Behind Selling The Taj Mahal Thrice : Inside India’s Most Audacious Heists

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Born in 1912 as Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, Natwarlal's journey from a young law aspirant to India's most notorious con artist is one of sheer audacity. Initially entering the legal profession, his skill for forging checks and signatures diverted him toward a criminal path. His first victim was his neighbor, Sahay, after which he fled to Calcutta with a modest Rs 1000. His early scams, however, were just the tip of the iceberg, setting the stage for the massive frauds that would define his career.

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The Taj Mahal Scam : A Devious Feat

Perhaps Natwarlal's most famous con was 'selling' the Taj Mahal-not once, but thrice. By impersonating government officials, he managed to convince foreign tourists that they were purchasing pieces of India's iconic heritage. Incredibly, he also targeted other national monuments such as the Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhavan, forging official documents and deceiving many. This audacious act cemented Natwarlal's place as a master of manipulation and deceit, a man who could trick even the most discerning of individuals.

Escaping The Law : A Master Of Evasion

Despite being sentenced to a staggering 113 years in prison, Natwarlal served only 20. His ability to escape from custody on multiple occasions became a hallmark of his criminal career. He evaded capture with such flair and resourcefulness that even after years of pursuing him, the authorities struggled to hold him accountable. Conflicting reports about his death, ranging from claims of his burial in 1996 to rumors that he lived on until 2009, only add to the mystique surrounding this elusive figure.

Robin Hood Or Ruthless Conman?

For all his criminal exploits, Natwarlal's story was not just about deceit. Known to some as the Robin Hood of India, he was celebrated for redistributing his ill-gotten gains among the less fortunate in his village. Lavish feasts and generous handouts to the poor earned him folk hero status, even as he remained a fugitive. This contradictory nature that is being part thief, part benefactor only deepened the enigma of his character.

A Legacy Of Deception And Generosity

The tale of Natwarlal is a fascinating one, steeped in mystery and contradictions. His criminal feats, such as selling India's national treasures, were legendary, yet his acts of philanthropy make him a figure of local reverence. Whether he was a mastermind con man or a misguided Robin Hood, his legacy remains embedded in India's criminal history.

His life, punctuated by daring escapes and charitable acts, paints the picture of a man whose morals were never clear-cut, making him a figure who defied easy categorization. The unresolved mystery of his death adds one final twist to the story of Natwarlal, a name that will forever echo in the annals of India's most audacious frauds.

Natwarlal's story is a perfect blend of crime, mystery, and unexpected generosity. A man who could deceive the world, yet choose to uplift the poor, his duality adds a layer of intrigue that continues to fascinate. The audacity of his crimes, paired with his Robin Hood-like gestures, ensures that Natwarlal will always be remembered as one of India's most audacious and enigmatic figures.