Are Police Tracking Foreign Nationals Enrolled in Bengal's Voters' List?
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Synopsis
In West Bengal, police are investigating a troubling scam involving foreign nationals fraudulently registered on the voters' list. This article delves into the complex web of forged documents, illegal citizenship, and the agents facilitating these crimes, shedding light on a pressing issue that affects electoral integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Police are investigating foreign nationals registered on voters' lists with forged documents.
- Azad Mullick, a key suspect, facilitated illegal registrations.
- Counterfeit birth certificates and ration cards are at the core of these frauds.
- Local agents play a crucial role in facilitating illegal citizenship.
- The implications of these activities threaten electoral integrity.
Kolkata, May 21 (NationPress) Police are currently tracking foreign nationals, primarily from Bangladesh, who have illegally enrolled in the voters' list of West Bengal using forged documents.
According to sources, investigators have obtained specific names of individuals with counterfeit Indian identity documents, such as Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), AADHAAR cards, and even Indian passports, all of which were facilitated by Azad Mullick, a Pakistani citizen recently apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kolkata.
Azad had initially secured Bangladeshi citizenship before subsequently obtaining Indian citizenship through forged documentation.
Investigations have revealed that Mullick was registered as a voter in the Dum Dum-Uttar Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district, part of the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency.
Further inquiries indicated that he participated in voting twice—first during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and again in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Sources have confirmed that Azad is not the sole individual who has fraudulently claimed to be an Indian voter with counterfeit documents.
All these individuals cast votes in various elections with the intention of establishing their Indian citizenship through illicit means and forged documentation.
Meanwhile, investigators are also seeking to dismantle the agents' networks operating across hospitals, village panchayats, and municipalities, whose primary role is to supply fake birth certificates for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
A similar network within the state Food and Civil Supplies Department, responsible for providing fake ration cards to these infiltrators, is also under scrutiny.
The investigation has revealed that these counterfeit birth certificates and ration cards serve as the foundation for obtaining further Indian identity documents.
The police have identified a consistent pattern in the operations of these illegal identity document rackets.
Infiltrators illegally crossing into Indian territory connect with local agents, expressing their willingness to pay substantial amounts for fake Indian identity documents. Initially, they are provided safe accommodations in villages near the borders with Bangladesh, both on land and along the coast.
Subsequently, agents arrange for fake birth certificates and ration cards, which are crucial for producing other identity documents such as EPIC cards, AADHAAR cards, and PAN cards. The final step involves acquiring fake passports based on these other counterfeit identity documents.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the serious implications of this issue on national integrity. The investigation into fraudulent voter registrations not only highlights the vulnerabilities in our electoral system but also emphasizes the need for stricter measures to ensure that our democracy is safeguarded from illegal activities. Upholding the law is crucial for maintaining public trust in governance.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions are being taken against the foreign nationals?
The police are actively tracking foreign nationals who have enrolled in the voters' list using forged documents, focusing on dismantling the networks that facilitate such fraudulent activities.
Who is Azad Mullick?
Azad Mullick is a Pakistani citizen who was arrested for allegedly arranging forged documents for foreign nationals to illegally obtain Indian citizenship.
What types of fake documents are involved?
The investigation has revealed the use of fake Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), AADHAAR cards, Indian passports, birth certificates, and ration cards.
How are these fake documents obtained?
These counterfeit documents are typically arranged through local agents who provide safe shelter and facilitate the creation of false identity records for illegal immigrants.
What impact does this have on elections?
The presence of fraudulent voters undermines the integrity of electoral processes, raising concerns about the legitimacy of election outcomes.
