With more than 50 identities, wanted by the police of eight states in India, sentenced over 100 years of punishment, and over 10 mysterious jailbreaks credited to his name, Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, India’s greatest con who is said to have sold Taj Mahal thrice, the Red Fort twice and the Rashtrapati Bhavan once to foreigners, is said to have died on July 25, 2009. This smart crook fooled many and his targets ranged from a petty businessman to a big industrialist or whichever is available. His frauds have been mentioned in a book - 'Such a Long Journey' by Robinson Mistry. It even inspired bollywood to make 'Mr. Natwarlal' starring Amitabh Bacchan.
He is almost equivalent to 'Frank Abagnale' of 'Catch Me If You Can.' The only difference being catching was no problem with him but keeping him in jail was the real question. Even at the age of 84, he slipped at the New Delhi Railway station. Interestingly, he was on wheelchair and was so old, ill, and disabled that he was on his way to AIIMS Hospital for treatment. He was 84 then. This was the last time he was seen, June 24, 1996. The legend lives on and the conmen of such shrewd fraudulent is called Natwarlal, with honor.
Regarding his death, Natwarlal, age 97 is said to have 'died' twice between a span of 13 years . His lawyer filed an application urging for the dismissal of 100 cases pending against Natwarlal since he died on July 25th. On the other hand, Natwarlal’s brother says that he died in 1996. No body knows what the truth is.