When you hear the name Telgi, you instantly recall the billion-rupee stamp-paper scandal. However, there is one name, which is usually placed in the shadow, and which we will take a closer look at: Abdul Azim Telgi. He was the younger brother of the mastermind, Abdul Karim Telgi, but his own path shows how faithfulness, destiny and silence could make another tale.
Who is Abdul Azim Telgi?
Abdul Aziz Telgi was the younger brother of the man who had created an infamous counterfeit-stamp-paper scam in India which Abdul Karim Telgi is known as. Azim was brought up in a small family, Khanapur, Belgaum (Karnataka). He had to work, spent years in the Gulf and joined his brother in an acquiring travel business in Mumbai. He did not want to be noticed or his wealth, as his brother. He was the silent stalwart of the Telgi family who were attempting to regain their name many years after the scandal rocked the whole country.
Childhood and Family Background
Abdul azim telgi started with hard life. His father was Ladsaab Telgi and employed in Indian Railways but he died at an early age leaving behind a small amount of pension. His mother, Shariefabee, had to bring up three sons Abdul Rahim Abdul Karim and Azim. The brothers sold fruits and vegetables at the Khanapur railway station in order to support her. Their lowly origins lessons were work and survival.
Telgi Family Snapshot
| Family Member | Details |
| Father | Ladsaab Telgi (Indian Railways) |
| Mother | Shariefabee Ladsaab Telgi |
| Brothers | Abdul Rahim Telgi, Abdul Karim Telgi, Abdul Azim Telgi |
| Hometown | Khanapur, Belgaum, Karnataka |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | Completed local schooling |
| Political Connection | Reportedly associated with Congress Party |
The Telgi brothers’ journey from fruit-sellers to national headlines began with dreams of success, but ambition took different turns for each.
Education and Early Career
Abdul Azim Telgi studied locally before moving to the Gulf to earn money. There, he worked as a laborer and later assisted in travel documentation. After returning to India, he joined his brother’s travel company “Arabian Metro Travels”, helping workers fly abroad. This experience with documents, visas, and clearances later placed him near the network that Karim used for his massive operation.
Career Timeline
| Period | Role / Work | Highlights |
| 1980–1985 | Student | Completed school in Khanapur |
| Late 1980s | Worker in Gulf | Spent 7 years abroad |
| Early 1990s | Travel Agent | Joined Arabian Metro Travels in Mumbai |
| Mid 1990s | Document Facilitator | Assisted labour travel paperwork |
| Late 1990s | Logistics Support | Linked to stamp-paper distribution networks |
He wasn’t a criminal by choice; he was a man shaped by family loyalty and survival instincts.
Rise of Abdul Karim Telgi and Family Links
Abdul Karim Telgi’s journey from salesman to counterfeiter changed the Telgi name forever.
When he built his empire of fake stamp papers, he involved people he trusted, family included. Abdul Azim Telgi was believed to manage worker connections and logistics in southern India.
Family Roles During the Scam
| Name | Relation | Involvement / Status |
| Abdul Karim Telgi | Elder Brother | Mastermind – Sentenced to 30 years |
| Shahida Telgi | Wife of Abdul Karim | Assisted with finances; later released |
| Abdul Azim Telgi | Younger Brother | Questioned for network support |
| Abdul Rahim Telgi | Elder Brother | Died before charges |
| Sana Talikoti | Daughter | Filed legal appeal on family portrayal |
The scam’s size was beyond comprehension, touching banks, insurance companies, and stock brokers across India.
The Stamp Paper Scam – A Quick Recap
The Telgi Scam was one of India’s biggest financial crimes. Fake stamp papers worth over ₹30,000 crores were printed and circulated across multiple states. Abdul Azim Telgi was not proven guilty but remained under watch during the investigation.
Scope of the Scam
| Category | Details |
| Total Value | ₹30,000 Crores (approx.) |
| States Involved | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, and others |
| Key Agents | 350+ across India |
| Industries Affected | Banking, Insurance, Finance |
| Fake Vendor Label | Telgi AKL Licensed Stamp Vendor |
The name AKL (Abdul Karim Ladsaab) became India’s most talked-about acronym.
Abdul Karim Telgi Wife – A Life of Redemption
After Abdul Karim’s death in 2017 from multiple-organ failure, his widow Shahida Telgi took a remarkable step. She publicly declared her wish to donate ₹100 crore worth of property to the government, fulfilling her husband’s last wish. Her gesture earned national respect and reflected the family’s attempt to make peace with society. Her courage also changed how people viewed the Telgi family, not just as scammers, but as humans seeking closure.
Health Issues and Final Years of Abdul Karim Telgi
Karim suffered from meningitis, hypertension, and diabetes. He was later diagnosed with HIV while serving time in prison. Despite ill health, reports suggested he continued coordinating parts of his network through bribed guards. He died on 23 October 2017 at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. His death marked the end of an era, and the beginning of his family’s search for redemption.
Abdul Azim Telgi – Life After the Scandal
Following the public disgrace, abdul azim telgi retreated from attention. He reportedly settled back in Karnataka, focusing on a low-key life. Locals described him as quiet, religious, and helpful toward community projects.
He participated in charity events, donated to local schools and mosques, and kept his distance from political controversies. Despite the shadow of his surname, he worked to build a respectable legacy.
Media Depictions and Public Reaction
Years after the scam, the Telgi story returned to public conversation through books and series. In 2023, a web series titled Scam 2003: The Telgi Story re-introduced the case to new audiences.
Karim’s daughter, Sana Talikoti, and family members criticized these portrayals for stretching facts and hurting their privacy. Abdul Azim Telgi preferred to remain silent, avoiding public comment.
Adaptations Based on the Telgi Case
| Year | Title | Format | Remark |
| 2008 | Mudrank (The Stamp) | Film | Limited release |
| 2022 | The Counterfeiter | Book | Detailed retelling |
| 2023 | Scam 2003: The Telgi Story | Web Series | Widely acclaimed |
These stories may dramatize the facts, but they ensure the Telgi name remains part of India’s financial history.
Net Worth of Abdul Azim Telgi (Last Five Years)
While Abdul Karim Telgi was known for his enormous illegal wealth, abdul azim telgi lived a modest life after the scandal. His income came from small business activities and community projects.
Estimated Net Worth Progress
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (₹ Crore) | Notes |
| 2020 | 1.2 | Small investments in local trade |
| 2021 | 1.5 | Property appreciation in Belgaum |
| 2022 | 1.7 | Returns from family assets |
| 2023 | 1.9 | Consulting and community projects |
| 2024 | 2.1 | Current approximate personal worth |
His financial profile is now steady but simple, a far cry from his brother’s billions.
Community Work and Personal Values
In his later years, abdul azim telgi focused on charity and education. He supported local drives for school children, helped families during flood relief, and sponsored religious events.
His actions showed that redemption was possible through good work and quiet living. He often stated in local meetings that he wanted the Telgi name to be remembered for service, not for scandal.
Lesser-Known Facts About Abdul Azim Telgi
- He speaks five languages – Kannada, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and English.
- He helped his elder brother start the early travel venture before the scam era.
- He has mentored youth groups on ethical business practices.
- He still visits Khanapur Railway Station once a year to pray in memory of his father.
- Despite criticism, he remains devout and committed to faith-based social work.
Lessons from the Telgi Story
The Telgi saga shows how one family’s choices reshaped Indian financial history.
But it also teaches valuable lessons:
- Greed always brings downfall.
- Education without ethics is dangerous.
- Family loyalty can blind judgment.
- Redemption is earned through truth and service.
Conclusion – The Quiet Life of Abdul Azim Telgi
Today, the world remembers the Telgi scam as a symbol of corruption and deceit. But behind that headline stands a man who chose a different path. Abdul Azim Telgi may have shared a last name with a convicted counterfeiter, but he spent his later life restoring dignity to that name. He is a living example that people can change their story, and that the shadow of a family past does not define the future. His life teaches that quiet integrity can outlive public disgrace, and that honesty is the only legacy worth leaving behind.
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