How Did a Pakistani National Vote in Both the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha Elections?
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Synopsis
The arrest of Azad Mullick, a Pakistani citizen involved in a fake passport racket, raises serious questions about electoral integrity. Having voted in both the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his case underscores vulnerabilities in the electoral system that must be addressed.
Key Takeaways
- Azad Mullick is a Pakistani national involved in a fake passport racket.
- He voted illegally in the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- ED's investigation reveals extensive fraudulent activities.
- Vulnerability in the electoral system has been highlighted.
- Urgent reforms are needed to prevent future incidents.
Kolkata, May 6 (NationPress) Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month in Kolkata for his involvement in a high-stakes fake passport scheme in West Bengal. Interestingly, he has cast his vote on two occasions: first during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and subsequently in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, the ED's inquiry has unveiled that Azad was registered as a voter in the Dum Dum-Uttar Assembly constituency of the North 24 Parganas district, which falls under the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency.
During his interrogation, Azad acknowledged his participation in both the 2021 and 2024 elections.
Upon his arrest in early April, documents obtained by ED officials suggested that he initially claimed to be a Bangladeshi citizen residing in India, having acquired Indian identity papers, including a passport, using fraudulent documents.
Moreover, it emerged that Azad, who owns Mullick Trading Corporation, was also running a hawala operation from his home in Kolkata, in addition to being implicated in a network supplying counterfeit Indian passports to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
On April 29, the ED's legal representative disclosed to a special court in Kolkata that Mullick was actually a native of Pakistan who first procured Bangladeshi citizenship and later obtained Indian identity documents.
His original name was Azad Hossain, which he altered to Ahammed Hossain Azad after obtaining Bangladeshi citizenship through illicit means. Ultimately, he was identified as Azad Mullick on the fake Indian passport.
During his arrest, officials seized two fake EPIC cards, several counterfeit driving licenses, and four forged birth certificates from his possession.
The ED also froze a bank account linked to him, which contained a deposit of Rs 2.62 crore. Sources indicate that investigators are now examining whether these funds were utilized for any anti-national activities within India.
Point of View
It is imperative to advocate for stricter verification processes to prevent misuse of the electoral system, ensuring that only legitimate citizens participate in our democracy.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Azad Mullick?
Azad Mullick is a Pakistani citizen arrested in Kolkata for involvement in a fake passport racket.
What elections did Azad Mullick vote in?
He voted in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
What illegal activities was Mullick involved in?
He was involved in a fake passport and hawala racket, providing counterfeit identity documents to illegal immigrants.
What actions are being taken by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating his financial transactions and any potential anti-national activities.
What is the significance of this case?
It raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in India.
