Kolkata Police have launched a massive hunt for 69 individuals who managed to obtain Indian passports using forged documents and have since left the country. The police recently filed charges against 130 people involved in this fraudulent operation, with most of the suspects currently residing abroad.
According to Rupesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner (Crime), Kolkata Police, lookout notices have been issued against 69 individuals, while 73 others have been identified for using fake documents to obtain passports. This means that authorities are now on high alert, ready to detain these suspects if they attempt to enter or exit India.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraud came to light last September when the Security Control Office flagged suspicious passport applications based on forged identity documents. Following this, Kolkata Police registered a case at Bhowanipore police station, launching an extensive probe.
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An internal audit by the Regional Passport Office in Kolkata further exposed major lapses in verification, revealing that numerous passports had already been issued before the fraud was detected. The passport application process mandates thorough scrutiny of documents, verification of personal details, background checks, and confirmation of nationality. However, these critical steps were bypassed in multiple cases, allowing fraudsters to slip through the system.
Massive Investigation Underway
Upon discovering the scam, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to track down those responsible. Authorities were alerted to around 240 suspicious cases across Bengal, leading to ten arrests so far—including one fraudulent passport holder and nine middlemen who facilitated the fake documentation.
In a shocking revelation, police found that 120 out of the 130 accused were Bangladeshi nationals who fraudulently obtained Indian passports. All of them are currently on the run. The accused face charges of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust, alongside violations under the Passport Act and Foreigners Act.
Adding to the scandal, investigators arrested a former police officer who allegedly approved at least 52 applications containing forged documents, further deepening concerns over internal corruption.
The Hunt Continues
With lookout notices in place, Kolkata Police are tightening the net on the absconding suspects. This case highlights the urgent need for stronger passport verification processes to prevent such fraudulent activities and protect national security.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring all culprits to justice. Stay tuned for more updates!