Did Bengal Police Uncover Passports for Non-Existent People?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal Police have made a shocking discovery while investigating a multi-crore fake passport racket. They found that multiple passports were issued to individuals who are entirely fictitious, raising serious concerns about the verification process. What does this mean for security and immigration in the region?
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal Police discovered fake passports issued to non-existent individuals.
- At least 37 passports linked to individuals who cannot be traced were found.
- Serious lapses in the verification process were highlighted.
- Two police officers have been implicated in the case.
- Concerns regarding national security have been raised due to this discovery.
Kolkata, May 15 (NationPress) The West Bengal Police, in the midst of probing a multi-crore counterfeit passport scheme, have revealed documentation that suggests several passports were issued to individuals who simply do not exist.
A recent report presented to the Calcutta High Court indicates that at least 37 such passports were identified, issued to individuals who cannot be located at the addresses provided in the documents.
During questioning and on-site verification, authorities found no evidence that these individuals ever resided at the specified addresses.
Sources linked to the investigation have reported that these discoveries highlight significant failures in the physical verification process, which is a crucial step in passport issuance.
According to regulations, police verification officers must visit the applicant’s residence for an on-site check before approving the application.
Two police officials involved in this verification process have been implicated in the case. They include Abdul Hai, a retired sub-inspector from Kolkata Police, and Mohammad Imran, a home guard associated with the Chandernagore Police Commissionerate in Hooghly district.
Insiders within the state police have indicated that the emergence of passports registered to non-existent individuals raises alarming issues, particularly concerning several cases involving Bangladeshi nationals residing in West Bengal with both Indian and Bangladeshi passports.
Investigations have shown that many of these individuals initially entered India legally with valid visas and later obtained counterfeit Indian identity documents, including passports, through these rackets.
In a related incident, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently apprehended a former Pakistani national, Azad Mullick, at his home on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. He was allegedly running a network involved in counterfeit passports, visas, and hawala transactions. His case is further complicated by the fact that he initially secured Bangladeshi citizenship using forged documents and then employed a similar tactic to obtain an Indian passport.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the West Bengal Police's findings regarding the issuance of passports to non-existent individuals. This situation underscores a severe breach in the verification process critical to maintaining national security. The implications of such lapses are far-reaching, and it is crucial for authorities to address these issues promptly and effectively.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discovered by the West Bengal Police?
The West Bengal Police uncovered that several passports were issued to individuals who do not exist, indicating serious lapses in the verification process.
How many fake passports were identified?
At least 37 passports were found to have been issued to individuals who could not be traced at the addresses mentioned.
Who is involved in the verification failure?
Two police personnel, Abdul Hai and Mohammad Imran, have been named as accused in the case due to their roles in the verification process.
What are the implications of this discovery?
The discovery raises serious concerns about national security and the integrity of the immigration process, especially concerning individuals with dual citizenship.
What is the connection to Bangladeshi nationals?
Many individuals with these fake passports initially entered India legally but subsequently acquired counterfeit identity documents, including passports.
