Congress MP Imran Masood Faces Non-Bailable Warrant in Forgery Case

Congress MP Imran Masood Faces Non-Bailable Warrant in Forgery Case

Congress MP Imran Masood Booked in ₹40 Lakh Forgery Case, CBI Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant

Ghaziabad, July 12, 2025 — In a major legal development, a special CBI court in Ghaziabad has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Congress Member of Parliament Imran Masood in connection with a 2007 forgery and cheating case. The court has instructed the Ghaziabad Police to arrest and produce Masood by July 18, intensifying the political and legal troubles for the senior Congress leader.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to March 8, 2007, when Masood was serving as the Chairman of the Saharanpur Municipality. An FIR was registered at the time by the municipality’s executive officer, alleging fraudulent financial transactions amounting to ₹40 lakh. The accusations involved misuse of municipal funds through fabricated documents and fraudulent signatures.

The court has taken cognizance of multiple IPC sections, including:

• Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
• Section 467 – Forgery of valuable security or will
• Section 468 – Forgery for the purpose of cheating
• Section 471 – Using as genuine a forged document

Additional Accused and Evidence

Along with Imran Masood, another individual named Harsh Malik, a then-employee of the Saharanpur municipality, has also been implicated in the case. According to government counsel Adesh Kumar Tyagi, Malik was allegedly complicit in preparing the forged financial records that enabled misappropriation of public funds.

The case gained renewed attention after several hearings were delayed due to Masood’s absence, despite repeated summons.

Court’s Latest Directive: Arrest by July 18

On Friday, July 11, Special CBI Judge Arvind Mishra took note of Masood’s continued non-compliance and issued a non-bailable warrant. The court emphasized that such deliberate absences undermine the judicial process, prompting the need for stricter measures.

The Ghaziabad Police has been ordered to locate and arrest Masood and ensure his physical production before the court on July 18.

Masood Claims Political Vendetta

Masood’s legal counsel has maintained that the entire FIR is politically motivated, claiming that the charges stem from a vendetta initiated by rival political forces during his tenure as municipal chairman. His legal team previously filed a motion to this effect, which led to the transfer of the case from Saharanpur to Ghaziabad, in an attempt to ensure neutrality in proceedings.

However, even after the transfer, Masood reportedly failed to appear on multiple court dates. The court, rejecting his explanations, proceeded with issuing the NBW after finding no justifiable cause for his absence.

Implications for Congress and West UP Politics

Imran Masood, a prominent Congress face in Western Uttar Pradesh, has been a key campaigner and local strongman in Saharanpur and adjoining areas. Known for his aggressive speeches and mass appeal, his current legal troubles could pose a significant blow to Congress’s image in the region.

The BJP has criticized Congress over the case, stating that the party has continued to shelter leaders with questionable legal histories, while Congress leaders have doubled down on the claim that this is part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition voices.

Similar Precedents and Political Trends

This isn’t the first time a sitting or former MP has faced legal action for alleged misuse of office. In the last two years, several lawmakers across party lines have faced:

• CBI or ED inquiries
• FIRs involving forgery or land scams
• Non-bailable warrants for prolonged absences

The trend underscores a growing scrutiny of elected representatives’ past roles, especially in municipal governance where corruption allegations are rife.

What’s Next?

With the court ordering Masood’s production by July 18, the coming days are crucial:

• Will Ghaziabad Police be able to arrest him in time?
• Will Masood seek legal relief from a higher court?
• Could this affect his political future or lead to suspension from Parliament?

These questions loom large as the case moves forward.