The Taj Mahal Scam: The Incredible Story of Natwarlal

Natwarlal, born Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava in 1912, was one of India's most notorious conmen. With a career spanning over five decades, Natwarlal is said to have swindled thousands of people, including businessmen, politicians, and even members of the Indian royal family, out of millions of rupees. In this article, we will take a closer look at the incredible life and exploits of Natwarlal, a master of deception and a legend in his own right.

Natwarlal

Early Life and Introduction to the World of Cons

Natwarlal was born in Bangra, a small village in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. His father was a schoolteacher, and Natwarlal grew up in a middle-class household. He was an intelligent child and had a sharp mind, which he would later use to great effect in his cons. However, he had a difficult childhood and was often in trouble with the law.

Natwarlal's life took a dramatic turn when he met a man named Chhajju Pande, who was a notorious con artist himself. Pande became Natwarlal's mentor and introduced him to the world of cons. Natwarlal quickly picked up the tricks of the trade and soon became a conman in his own right.

The Art of Deception: Natwarlal's Signature Cons

Natwarlal was a master of deception and had several signature cons that he would use to swindle his victims. One of his most famous cons was the sale of the Taj Mahal. Natwarlal would approach wealthy businessmen and convince them that he was an agent of the Indian government and that the Taj Mahal was up for sale. He would then sell them fake documents and disappear with the money.

Another one of his famous cons was the sale of the Red Fort. Natwarlal would again pose as a government agent and convince his victims that the Red Fort was for sale. He would then sell them fake documents and disappear with the money.

The Great Escapes: Natwarlal's Houdini-Like Feats

Natwarlal was not just a master of deception but was also a master of escape. He had a knack for getting out of even the most high-security prisons. In one of his most daring escapes, Natwarlal managed to walk out of a prison in broad daylight by impersonating a doctor. He had convinced the prison officials that he was a physician and had come to check on the sick inmates. He then used this opportunity to walk out of the prison, dressed in a white coat and a stethoscope.

Philanthropy and Robin Hood-Like Figure

Despite his notoriety, Natwarlal was also a philanthropist. He would often donate a portion of his ill-gotten gains to charity and help the poor and needy. This duality in his character made him a complex figure. In his hometown of Bangra, Natwarlal was considered a Robin Hood-like figure who had taken on the rich and powerful and had helped the poor and needy.

The End of Natwarlal: A Legend's Legacy

Natwarlal's luck eventually ran out, and he was caught by the police multiple times throughout his career. However, he was a master at escaping, and he would often flee from custody. He was arrested over 100 times, but he managed to escape every time except once.

In 1996, Natwarlal was finally caught and sentenced to two years in prison. However, he was released on medical grounds after just a few months. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as India's most notorious conman.

Natwarlal's incredible life and exploits have been the subject of numerous books and movies. His story is a testament to the power of the human mind and its ability to deceive and outsmart even the most intelligent and wealthy individuals. Despite his notoriety, Natwarlal remains a legend and a folk hero in India, admired for his daring cons and his Robin Hood-like persona.

In conclusion,

Natwarlal was a fascinating character whose life and exploits have become the stuff of legend. His ability to deceive and outsmart his victims, combined with his Houdini-like escapes, have made him a cult figure in India. However, his legacy is not just one of crime and deceit; he was also a philanthropist who helped the poor and needy. Natwarlal will always be remembered as one of the greatest conmen of all time.

Here Are 10 Interesting Facts About Natwarlal:

1. Natwarlal's real name was Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, but he changed his name multiple times throughout his life to avoid detection.


2. He was born in Bangra village in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar in 1912.


3. Natwarlal started his career as a small-time conman in the 1930s, and he quickly gained a reputation as a master of deception.


4. He is estimated to have committed over 500 cons in his lifetime, with a total value of over Rs. 50 crore (roughly $10 million USD).


5. One of Natwarlal's most famous cons was when he sold the Taj Mahal to a wealthy businessman for a mere Rs. 1 lakh (roughly $1,500 USD).


6. He was arrested over 100 times throughout his career, but he managed to escape from custody every time except once.


7. Natwarlal was known for his incredible memory and could memorize the details of his cons and the identities of his victims.


8. Despite his notoriety, Natwarlal was never known to be violent and relied solely on his intelligence and charm to carry out his cons.


9. He was also a philanthropist who donated money to various charities and set up a trust fund to help poor and underprivileged children.


10. Natwarlal passed away in 2009 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as India's most notorious conman.