Is Bengal's Azad Mullick a Key Player in the Fake Visa Scandal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking twist, Azad Mullick, a Pakistani citizen arrested in Kolkata, is implicated in a broader fake visa scheme. As authorities uncover links to potential terror financing, the investigation delves deeper into his operations across borders. What does this mean for India's security landscape? Read on to find out more.
Key Takeaways
- The arrest of Azad Mullick highlights significant immigration fraud issues.
- Counterfeit visas and identity documents pose risks to national security.
- The case underscores the necessity for enhanced border control measures.
- Investigators are probing potential links to terror financing.
- Collaboration between agencies is crucial in tackling transnational crime.
Kolkata, May 13 (NationPress) Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national apprehended in Kolkata last month by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, is also implicated in a case concerning the fabrication of visas.
This information was disclosed by the central agency during a special court hearing in Kolkata on Tuesday. The agency's counsel revealed that Azad was involved in the production of counterfeit visas, primarily for nations with more lenient visa requirements for Indian citizens, such as Dubai, Cambodia, and Malaysia, among others.
The ED further informed the court that officials had uncovered multiple bank accounts linked to Azad, which collectively held over Rs 50 crore deposited in phases over the past four years.
Investigators are currently working to identify individuals who traveled to these countries using the counterfeit visas obtained from Azad. Additionally, Azad was engaged in creating fake Indian identity documents, including passports, for illegal Bangladeshi migrants, operating through a network of agents in both West Bengal and Bangladesh.
ED officials have also retrieved sensitive information from group chats on WhatsApp from Azad's mobile devices, providing insights into financial transactions routed through Hawala from Kolkata to recipients in neighboring Bangladesh.
Given the suspicious nature of activities and discussions in certain groups, the ED is now investigating whether the funds transferred through Hawala were potentially linked to terror financing.
Azad was detained by ED officials at the beginning of April, and documents seized during the arrest indicated that he was originally a Bangladeshi citizen residing in India using fraudulent identity documents, including an Indian passport.
It was later uncovered that Azad, the proprietor of Mullick Trading Corporation, was also running a Hawala operation from his residence in the city while facilitating the provision of fake Indian passports to illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
On April 29, the ED counsel informed the special court that during questioning, Azad confessed to being a native of Pakistan who had initially procured Bangladeshi citizenship before obtaining Indian identity documents.
His original name as a Pakistani citizen was Azad Hossain, which he altered to Ahammed Hossain Azad after acquiring Bangladeshi citizenship through illicit means.
Ultimately, the fake Indian passport he obtained incorrectly listed his name as Azad Mullick. During his arrest, officials seized two fake EPIC cards, several counterfeit driving licenses, and four forged birth certificates from his possession.
Point of View
The unfolding case of Azad Mullick sheds light on the serious issues surrounding immigration fraud and the potential threats to national security. The investigation's findings highlight the need for stricter border control measures and enhanced scrutiny of identity verification processes to safeguard our nation.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Azad Mullick?
Azad Mullick is a Pakistani national recently arrested in Kolkata for his involvement in a fake passport and visa racket.
What was Azad Mullick's role in the fake visa case?
He was involved in preparing counterfeit visas for countries with lenient visa rules for Indian citizens, such as Dubai and Malaysia.
How much money was found in Azad Mullick's accounts?
Over Rs 50 crore was discovered in multiple bank accounts linked to Azad Mullick.
Is there a connection between this case and terror financing?
The ED is investigating potential links between the money routed through Hawala and terror funding operations.
What other illegal activities was Azad Mullick involved in?
Aside from fake visas, he was also involved in producing counterfeit Indian identity documents for illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
