Are Seven Pakistani Nationals in West Bengal Holding Fake Indian Passports?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate is hot on the trail of seven suspected Pakistani nationals believed to have obtained fake Indian passports in a major scam. This investigation reveals a complex network of illegal immigration that could have far-reaching implications.
Key Takeaways
- The ED is investigating a major fake passport scheme in West Bengal.
- Seven Pakistani nationals are suspected of obtaining fake Indian passports.
- Indu Bhusan Halder and Azad Mullick are key figures in the investigation.
- Over 250 fake passports have been identified in connection with the racket.
- The incident raises significant national security concerns.
Kolkata, Oct 20 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating a substantial fake passport scheme in West Bengal. They are on the trail of seven alleged Pakistani nationals who reportedly secured fake Indian passports through this illicit operation.
As per ED officials, the passports were orchestrated by Indu Bhusan Halder, a pivotal technical operator within the syndicate, who was apprehended last week.
Investigators have discovered that Halder was in communication with another Pakistani national, Azad Mullick, who served as the intermediary for the seven individuals and Halder. Mullick was detained earlier this year in relation to the same scheme.
The investigators suspect that the seven individuals followed a similar pathway as Mullick to obtain fake Indian passports. Originally a Pakistani citizen, Mullick first acquired forged Bangladeshi identity documents to adopt a Bangladeshi persona. Subsequently, he utilized counterfeit Indian documentation to establish himself as an Indian citizen, from which point he initiated hawala operations and the fake passport racket from his rented space in Kolkata.
Sources reveal that the ED has gathered information on approximately 250 passports, including those belonging to the seven suspected Pakistani individuals, all allegedly facilitated by Halder, primarily on Mullick's recommendations. Preliminary evaluations indicate that Halder profited around Rs 2 crore by providing fake passports for clients referred by Mullick.
Halder was captured in Chakdaha in the Nadia district last week and is currently in judicial custody. Mullick, who was arrested in April, is also under judicial custody.
The fake passport syndicate was first uncovered by the West Bengal Police late last year, leading to numerous arrests. The ED subsequently took charge of the investigation, citing potential money-laundering connections.
In April, a significant breakthrough occurred when the agency arrested Mullick, whose questioning revealed his involvement in arranging counterfeit foreign visas for clients aiming to travel internationally.
The state police have already submitted a chargesheet identifying 130 accused, including 120 illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, and have issued lookout notices against them.
Point of View
It is essential to emphasize the significance of this investigation. The uncovering of a fake passport racket involving foreign nationals poses serious questions about national security and immigration integrity. We must support the efforts of the Enforcement Directorate and law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of our borders.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fake passport racket in West Bengal?
The fake passport racket is an illegal operation in which individuals, including foreign nationals, obtain counterfeit Indian passports, often through fraudulent means.
Who are the key players in this investigation?
The key players include Indu Bhusan Halder, the technical operator arrested for facilitating fake passports, and Azad Mullick, the intermediary who has also been arrested.
How many passports have been linked to this case?
Investigators have linked approximately 250 passports to this case, including those belonging to seven suspected Pakistani nationals.
What are the legal implications for those involved?
Those involved in the racket face serious legal consequences, including charges of forgery, fraud, and potential money laundering.
How does this impact national security?
The involvement of foreign nationals in acquiring fake Indian passports raises significant concerns about immigration security and the potential for illegal activities.
