The Legendary Con Artist: Natwarlal’s Illustrious Tales of Deception
In the world of scams and swindlers, there are few names as infamous as Natwarlal. With a cunning intellect, a silver tongue, and a flair for the dramatic, Natwarlal etched his name into the annals of history as one of the greatest con artists to have ever lived. His audacious exploits and ability to deceive even the most discerning individuals made him a legend in the realm of fraud. Join us as we delve into the captivating life of Natwarlal and uncover the secrets behind his unparalleled success.
The Early Days:
Natwarlal, born Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava in 1912 in Bihar, India, displayed his knack for deception from a young age. As a boy, he would often trick his peers into parting with their belongings or money through elaborate schemes. This early inclination towards cunning and manipulation would shape his destiny and set him on the path to becoming one of the world’s most notorious con men.
The Rise to Infamy:
Natwarlal’s first recorded act of deception occurred in 1947 when he sold the iconic Taj Mahal to an unsuspecting businessman. This audacious feat catapulted him into the limelight, and he soon became a household name. Over the years, Natwarlal honed his skills, mastering the art of persuasion and developing an unmatched ability to create elaborate ruses that left his victims bewildered.
Unforgettable Scams:
Natwarlal’s audacity knew no bounds, and he targeted high-profile individuals and institutions with his intricate cons. From selling the Parliament House of India to impersonating prominent politicians, he weaved a web of deceit that left his victims reeling. One of his most notable feats was duping a businessman into buying the renowned Howrah Bridge not once, but twice!. He is said to have supposedly cheated a number of industrialists including the Tatas, the Birlas, and Dhirubhai Ambani, taking from them huge sums of money
The Great Escapes:
Natwarlal’s ability to elude the clutches of law enforcement became the stuff of legends. His remarkable escapes showcased his quick thinking, resourcefulness, and a touch of theatrical flair that only added to his mystique. Natwarlal faced charges of 14 cases of forgery and was sentenced to 113 years in prison. Natwarlal was arrested nine or ten times, but most of these times, he was able to break out and escape. His escapes were often very cunning: for example, in 1957, Natwarlal escaped the Kanpur jail by donning a smuggled police uniform, bribing his cell guards with a suitcase full of money, then walking out the front gate, passing guards who saluted him. The suitcase actually contained newspapers. Due to his repeated escapes, it is believed he only spent 20 years in prison over the course of his life.
Legacy and Pop Culture Influence:
Natwarlal’s exploits and charismatic persona made him a subject of fascination for the masses. His larger-than-life persona and thrilling adventures inspired numerous movies, books, and even songs. Bollywood movie “Natwarlal” starring Amitabh Bachchan is a testament to the enduring legacy of this master con artist.
Conclusion:
The last time Natwarlal was arrested was in 1996 at the age of 84. Despite his old age and his use of a wheelchair, he managed to escape again and was last seen by authorities on 24 June 1996 at the New Delhi Railway station, while being transported by police from the Kanpur jail to the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi for treatment, after which he was never seen again.
Natwarlal’s cunning, audacity, and ability to manipulate others without remorse make him a captivating figure in the world of con artists. Despite his illegal activities, his legend lives on, reminding us of the power of persuasion and the need to be vigilant against those who seek to deceive. Natwarlal’s story serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to question the authenticity of the world around us and reinforcing the adage:”If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
So, the next time you hear a tale of an extravagant scam or a charismatic swindler, remember the name Natwarlal, the master of deception.
Disclaimer:
The article is purely for informational and entertainment purpose
