What crucial clues has the ED uncovered regarding the terror links of a Pakistani citizen arrested in Kolkata?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has made significant breakthroughs in an investigation involving a Pakistani citizen arrested in Kolkata for his connections to a fake passport racket. The findings raise serious concerns about potential terror financing linked to his activities. Discover how these developments could impact security in the region.
Key Takeaways
- ED officials have uncovered vital evidence linking a Pakistani citizen to a fake passport racket in Kolkata.
- WhatsApp chats reveal connections to potential terror financing.
- Azad Mallick's arrest raises serious national security concerns.
- Authorities have recovered multiple fake documents.
- The investigation is ongoing, with further interrogation planned.
Kolkata, May 8 (NationPress) - Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have uncovered significant insights regarding the terror affiliations of a Pakistani national apprehended in Kolkata, linked to a substantial fake passport operation in West Bengal.
The ED's findings stemmed from the WhatsApp group conversations of the detained individual, Azad Mallick.
According to sources, these chats have provided the investigative team with a clear understanding of the connections to individuals in adjacent Bangladesh who received funds channeled through hawala from Kolkata.
Based on the acquired information, the sources noted, authorities are currently assessing if the funds transferred via hawala to Bangladesh were utilized for financing terrorism.
On Thursday, the ED sought judicial approval to extend Azad's detention for an additional five days for further questioning.
It has been reported that the mobile devices obtained from Azad contained over 20,000 individual and group contacts on WhatsApp, with various group activities and discussions raising red flags.
In addition to the WhatsApp exchanges, the ED has also retrieved several voice message recordings from the mobiles, further intensifying concerns regarding Azad's terror links.
Azad was detained in April, and documents found in his possession indicated that he was a Bangladeshi national who had been living in India after procuring Indian identification documents, including an Indian passport, through fraudulent means.
The owner of Mullick Trading Corporation, Azad was implicated in a hawala operation from his residence in the city and was also involved in a scheme providing fake Indian passports for Bangladeshi infiltrators.
However, on April 29, the ED's legal counsel informed a special court in Kolkata that during questioning, Azad confessed to being a resident of Pakistan, who first acquired Bangladeshi citizenship before obtaining Indian identification documents.
Azad's name as a Pakistani citizen was Azad Hossain, which he later changed to Ahammed Hossain Azad after unlawfully obtaining Bangladeshi citizenship. His name was subsequently recorded as Azad Mullick in the fraudulent Indian passport.
At the time of his arrest, officials confiscated two counterfeit Electronic Voter ID Cards, various fake driving licenses, and four forged birth certificates.
The ED has also frozen a bank account under his name that holds a deposit of Rs 2.62 crore.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this sensitive matter with integrity and caution. The arrest of a Pakistani citizen involved in a fake passport racket raises significant national security concerns. The implications of potential terror financing must be thoroughly investigated, ensuring that justice prevails while maintaining public safety and trust in our law enforcement agencies.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Azad Mallick and the fake passport racket?
Azad Mallick is the owner of Mullick Trading Corporation and is accused of operating a fake passport racket, providing fraudulent Indian identification documents to Bangladeshi infiltrators.
What evidence did the ED find linking Azad to terror financing?
The ED discovered suspicious WhatsApp group chats and voice messages on Azad's mobile phones, suggesting connections to individuals in Bangladesh who may have received funds for terror-related activities.
How long was Azad Mallick's custody extended?
The ED sought a five-day extension of Azad's custody for further interrogation.
What documents were found with Azad Mallick during his arrest?
Authorities seized two fake Electronic Voter ID Cards, multiple fake driving licenses, four fake birth certificates, and documents revealing his fraudulent identity.
What is the current status of Azad Mallick's bank account?
The ED has frozen a bank account belonging to Azad, which contains a deposit of Rs 2.62 crore.
