Has the CEO's office in Bengal uncovered 14 voters with Indian EPIC cards and Bangladeshi passports?
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Synopsis
In a revealing development, the CEO's office in Bengal has identified 14 voters holding Indian EPIC cards and Bangladeshi passports. This situation raises significant questions about identity verification processes and illegal immigration in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 14 voters in Bengal hold both Indian EPIC cards and Bangladeshi passports.
- The FRRO confirmed the validity of these passports.
- Legal actions against these individuals are forthcoming.
- The issue underscores concerns about illegal immigration.
- Authorities are intensifying their crackdown on identity fraud.
Kolkata, Jan 5 (NationPress) During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has been alerted about 14 voters possessing both Indian EPIC cards and Bangladeshi passports simultaneously.
Due to concerns that these 14 voters may actually be residents of Bangladesh, the CEO’s office requested information from the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata.
The FRRO responded, confirming that these individuals indeed hold Bangladeshi passports. They arrived in West Bengal with valid visas and did not return to Bangladesh even after their visa periods expired.
As a result, they were able to acquire various Indian identity documents, including the EPIC card. The CEO’s office has already advised the Election Commission of India (ECI) to remove these names from the final voter list, which is set to be published on February 14, as confirmed by an insider.
Further actions against these 14 individuals will be pursued by the relevant law enforcement agencies in accordance with legal provisions.
These individuals have been identified across three districts: North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and East Midnapore, with the first two districts bordering Bangladesh.
Since last year, both the West Bengal Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have launched an extensive campaign against the trafficking of fake passports and other Indian identity documents, primarily targeting illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
Investigators have uncovered a systematic operation where illegal Bangladeshi migrants are first given safe havens in villages near the India-Bangladesh border.
In the second stage, these migrants are supplied with fake birth certificates and ration cards from local authorities.
Thirdly, fake Aadhaar and PAN cards are issued based on the previously obtained fake documents.
Finally, fake Indian passports are arranged using the other Indian identity documents.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this issue with a commitment to transparency and accountability. The findings from the CEO’s office highlight the urgent need for stricter measures to verify identities and prevent illegal immigration, ensuring the integrity of our electoral process.
NationPress
06/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the CEO's office to investigate these voters?
Concerns arose regarding the possibility that the 14 voters were originally from Bangladesh, leading the CEO's office to seek confirmation from the FRRO.
What actions will be taken against the identified voters?
The CEO’s office has recommended that the Election Commission of India delete the names of these voters from the final voters' list, with further legal actions to be decided by law enforcement.
What is the significance of the borders mentioned?
The districts of North 24 Parganas and Nadia share international borders with Bangladesh, increasing the potential for illegal immigration.
How are the illegal activities being addressed?
The West Bengal Police and Enforcement Directorate have initiated extensive efforts to combat the trafficking of fake identity documents.
What are the stages of the illegal identity document operation?
The operation involves providing safe shelter, issuing fake birth certificates and ration cards, followed by Aadhaar and PAN cards, culminating in the issuance of fake passports.
