Did Bengal STF Uncover a Major Fake Aadhaar Card Scam?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Bengal STF has unveiled a sophisticated fraud ring responsible for creating fake Aadhaar cards. Operating from a legitimate center, two suspects have been arrested. Dive into the details of how this scam was executed and the implications it holds for national security.
Key Takeaways
- Bengal STF has arrested two individuals involved in creating fake Aadhaar cards.
- The fraud operated through a legitimate Aadhaar center in Birbhum.
- Fraudsters manipulated technology to mask their identity and location.
- Concerns arise about illegal immigration linked to the scam.
- The need for tighter security protocols in Aadhaar issuance is evident.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) Investigators from the special task force (STF) of the West Bengal Police have dismantled a fraudulent scheme involving fake Aadhaar cards that was being conducted through a legitimate Aadhaar center. Two suspects have been apprehended in connection with this operation, the police reported on Thursday.
The arrests occurred on Wednesday night, but details were publicly released by the state police on Thursday afternoon. The operation was targeted in the Birbhum district, where the suspects have been identified as Sheikh Miraj Hossain and Abdul Quddus.
Authorities have revealed that the fraudulent activities were taking place near the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The suspects utilized a laptop registered to the Aadhaar center located in Birbhum.
Initially, law enforcement struggled to understand the sophisticated methods employed by the fraudsters.
A police insider disclosed that the perpetrators began by concealing the MAC-ID of the Aadhaar center's laptop. “They manipulated the GPS location while processing Aadhaar-related work from a site close to the Kolkata airport, misleading the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) into believing operations were ongoing in Birbhum,” he explained.
It is suspected that the MAC-ID of the Birbhum Aadhaar center’s laptop was being redirected from a location near the airport. Police are concerned that numerous individuals from Bangladesh who entered India illegally may have received Aadhaar cards through this fraudulent scheme.
“We have confiscated laptops to determine the number of Aadhaar cards created by the ring leaders. Besides Birbhum, residents from Birati in North 24 Parganas district and from Uttar Pradesh are also implicated. We are actively pursuing them,” a police source stated.
Typically, the UIDAI links a laptop and a MAC-ID to each Aadhaar center. No Aadhaar work can be conducted without the specified laptop. Furthermore, the exact location of the Aadhaar center and the fingerprint of its data entry operator are also recorded.
According to existing regulations, data entry operators are prohibited from executing Aadhaar creation tasks without using a designated laptop at the assigned location.
Without this setup, access to the Aadhaar authority’s website is restricted, and the server will not function. Despite stringent protocols, these fraudsters successfully generated Aadhaar cards from an alternate location using the Aadhaar center’s laptop.
Point of View
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities within the Aadhaar system, raising questions about data security and regulatory enforcement. The swift action by the Bengal STF demonstrates the government's commitment to countering fraudulent activities. However, it is crucial to assess the systemic flaws that allowed such a scheme to thrive, ensuring that national interests and citizen safety remain paramount.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the fraud uncovered?
The fraud involved the creation of fake Aadhaar cards through a legitimate Aadhaar center, utilizing sophisticated techniques to mask the original equipment and location.
How did the police discover the scam?
The police initiated an investigation that led to a raid in Birbhum district, revealing the fraudulent activities being conducted near Kolkata airport.
Who were the suspects arrested?
The suspects arrested in connection with the scam are Sheikh Miraj Hossain and Abdul Quddus.
What measures are being taken to prevent such frauds in the future?
The authorities are reviewing security protocols related to Aadhaar card issuance and are considering stricter regulations to prevent fraudulent activities.
What are the implications of this fraud?
This fraud raises significant concerns regarding national security, as it potentially allows unauthorized individuals to gain access to essential services through fake identities.
