Shahida Telgi was the wife of infamous counterfeiter Abdul Karim Telgi, known for the Stamp paper scam in 2003. Abdul Karim Telgi orchestrated the ‘Telgi Scam,’ a massive counterfeit stamp paper scheme worth an estimated 200 Billion rupees uncovered in 2003. |
Abdul Karim Telgi started with fake passports and then progressed to counterfeiting stamp papers, employing around 350 agents who sold the forgeries to institutions like banks and insurance companies. Telgi faced multiple charges across India and was eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison. |
Shahida Telgi was also implicated in the fake stamp paper case of 2003, and after being arrested in 2005 due to missed court appearances, she was found to be HIV positive. |
In 2007, Shahida was granted bail on health grounds after her lawyer cited her deteriorating condition seeking medical treatment. She was required to provide a surety of Rs 1 lakh, stay in Bangalore for treatment, and update the court on her health every three months. |
Shahida Telgi later requested the court to seize Telgi’s properties bought through the scam and utilize them for national welfare, honoring her husband's supposed last wish. |
In 2022, her daughter went to court to halt the production of a web series titled “Scam 2003-The Curious Case of Abdul Karim Lala Telgi” by filmmaker Hansal Mehta. |
Finally, in 2023, a TV series named ‘Scam 2003: The Telgi Story’ was released, directed by Hansal Mehta, portraying her husband's life story. |