Bangladeshi national held in Lucknow after 14 years of illegal stay, forged documents
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A Bangladeshi national who allegedly lived illegally in Lucknow for nearly 14 years has been arrested by police from the Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) area. The accused, identified as Arup Bakshi, is a native of Devbhog in Bangladesh's Narail district, and is alleged to have entered India without authorisation in 2012 before building an elaborate false identity using forged documents.
How He Entered and Settled
According to BKT police, Arup Bakshi allegedly crossed into India in 2012 via Nepal and the Lakhimpur Kheri route. He initially took shelter at the residence of Dr Swapna Biswas, a resident of Udrauli village under the Maholi police station limits in Sitapur district. It was during this period, police say, that he allegedly procured a series of forged identity documents — including a voter ID card, driving licence, and Aadhaar card — and opened a bank account. He reportedly went on to obtain an Indian passport as well.
Between 2014 and 2015, Bakshi reportedly moved to Lucknow, taking up residence as a tenant at the home of advocate Mrityunjay Singh Chauhan in Maa Durgapuram Colony near Asti Crossing in the BKT area.
Property Purchase and Alleged Fake Medical Practice
In 2019, the accused allegedly purchased an 800-square-foot plot in Mamapur Bana village using forged documents. Investigators further revealed that Bakshi had been running a clinic without a valid medical degree, allegedly collecting money from patients under the guise of providing medical treatment — raising serious public safety concerns.
The Arrest and Evidence Recovered
Sub-Inspector Yogendra Kumar of BKT Police Station registered an FIR against the accused following a confidential complaint and a subsequent investigation. Upon arrest, police recovered an Aadhaar card, a mobile phone, and several other documents from his possession. During interrogation, Bakshi reportedly confessed to having obtained all forged documents while residing in Sitapur.
Investigation Widening
Police are now compiling a list of Bakshi's associates and close contacts in both Sitapur and Lucknow, and are probing the network that allegedly facilitated the procurement of forged documents. The case has drawn attention to the ease with which, according to investigators, critical identity infrastructure — including Aadhaar, voter ID, and passport — was allegedly compromised. This is not an isolated incident; authorities in Uttar Pradesh have flagged multiple cases of illegal immigrants obtaining forged Indian credentials in recent years.
Further action against those who allegedly assisted Bakshi in securing false documents is expected as the investigation progresses.