BHARUCH: An inquiry that began with a routine police application in a small Gujarat town has uncovered an alleged cross-border racket involving forged marriage and divorce documents, raising questions about how false paperwork was used to facilitate travel to the United Kingdom.
A Case That Emerged From a Routine Application
The alleged racket came to light during the scrutiny of an application submitted to the Palej police in Gujarat’s Bharuch district. Investigators say irregularities in marriage and divorce records prompted a closer examination, eventually leading to the registration of a criminal case with the Palej police as the complainant.
Once the suspected forgery of marriage and divorce documents was confirmed, Bharuch police expanded the scope of the investigation. Officials said they identified multiple accused, some of whom are currently based abroad, including in the United Kingdom and Canada. Details of these individuals have since been shared with the British High Commission and the relevant embassy, according to the police.
Forged Documents and a Dependent Visa
According to investigators, the case centers on Rizwan Ismail Meda, a resident of Jambusar, who allegedly falsely claimed that a UK-based woman, Taslimabanu Ismail Karbhari, was his wife. Police allege that Meda prepared a fake marriage registration certificate and used it to apply for a United Kingdom visa.
Investigators say Meda contacted an agent, Soeb Daud Ikhariya, to pursue a dependent visa by presenting Taslimabanu as his spouse. In February 2024, Taslimabanu allegedly showed the forged marriage certificate to the agent, enabling her travel to the UK on a dependent visa.
Police said that financial disputes later arose between the parties, after which additional forged documents were allegedly created, deepening the suspected fraud.
Allegations Against an Overseas Lawyer
Investigators have also named a lawyer, Sajid Kothia, originally from Kanthariya village and now residing in Canada. Police allege that Kothia prepared a fake divorce order that purported to have been issued by a Bharuch court.
According to the investigation, the document was allegedly presented as genuine with the assistance of Taslimabanu’s cousin, identified as Faisal. The alleged fabrication of a court order has drawn particular attention from investigators, who say it indicates a higher level of coordination and knowledge of legal documentation. A case has been registered against four accused, including the lawyer, police said.
A Wider Probe With International Links
With some of the accused believed to be based overseas, Bharuch police have begun coordinating with international authorities. Officials said information has been shared with foreign missions to aid in tracing the accused and understanding the possible cross-border dimensions of the case.
