Kolkata, Aug 2 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has communicated critical details to the Kolkata Police concerning the visa status of Santa Paul, the Bangladeshi model apprehended in Kolkata earlier this week on allegations of unlawfully residing in the country with counterfeit Indian identity documents, as stated by the MEA on Saturday.

Sources from the police indicated on Saturday that, according to the information relayed by the MEA, Paul's visa had lapsed in 2021, leading to her illegal stay in the country since that time.

This revelation has sparked inquiries into the efficacy of the surveillance conducted by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) regarding such cases.

"We received confirmation from the MEA that her visa expired in 2021. We are currently investigating how she managed to remain here unnoticed for an extended period," a police source disclosed.

As per regulations, when a foreign national enters the country, this central office monitors whether that individual departs upon the expiration of their visa.

If a foreigner fails to return to their home country, the FRO notifies the police.

Sources suggest that there was a lack of adequate surveillance concerning Paul.

Kolkata Police officials are now investigating whether Paul may have had connections as a spy in the nation, akin to the Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra.

This investigation has taken a new turn following the discovery of her social media activity, which revealed that Paul had visited the India-Nepal-China border and recorded a video.

On July 28, officers from the Park Street police station arrested Paul from a residence in the Golf Green area of south Kolkata.

The police became suspicious after examining the documents she submitted while applying for a passport.

During the arrest, several Bangladeshi documents were confiscated from Paul's flat.

It has been reported that Paul, a professional model, initially entered India with a legitimate visa.

However, instead of departing her native country prior to her visa expiration, she allegedly fabricated Indian documents such as an AADHAAR card and a Voter ID card during her stay.

By managing these counterfeit identity documents, she not only established a permanent residence in Kolkata but also earned significant income through modeling and acting assignments, as noted by city police officials involved in the investigation.

The police have discovered that she has participated in supporting roles in several Bengali and Tamil films over the past couple of years.

Additionally, she reportedly acquired property in the southern outskirts of Kolkata, co-owned with her live-in partner, who resides in Andhra Pradesh and works in the Merchant Navy.

Authorities are now examining whether Paul has leveraged her presence in the entertainment industry to foster influential connections within West Bengal and other states, enabling her to operate openly in the modeling and acting sectors without raising suspicions.

It is also noted that she had a successful modeling career in Bangladesh, where she received various accolades.

Previously, she was employed by Regent Airways, a Bangladesh-based airline.