Hyderabad: A suspected passport fraud case has come to light in Hyderabad after scrutiny of multiple US visa applications allegedly revealed that a man was holding several Indian passports issued under different identities. Gachibowli Police arrested the accused, identified as Mothukupalli Lakshmikant Reddy, in connection with the case. According to police, he has been sent to judicial remand. A mobile phone, tablet and other electronic devices were also seized during the investigation.
The alleged fraud came to light during the processing and verification of Reddy’s US visa applications. Officials at the US Consulate in Hyderabad reportedly noticed inconsistencies in the identity details submitted with different applications. The documents allegedly carried different names, dates of birth and other identification details. Following the discovery, the matter was brought to the attention of Indian authorities, leading to a police investigation.
Multiple Passports Under Different Identities
According to the police investigation, Reddy allegedly possessed passports issued in different names. The identities mentioned in the documents include Muddannolla Lakshmikant, Medha Prasoon Kumar Reddy and his actual name, Mothukupalli Lakshmikant Reddy. Authorities are now examining whether these identities were used only for visa applications or for other official, travel or financial purposes as well.
The investigation has also raised questions over a residence certificate allegedly used earlier to obtain a passport. Officials suspect that the certificate may have been fabricated. Investigators are examining where the document was obtained, who prepared it and how it was submitted during the passport application process.
Documents Sent to Regional Passport Office
Gachibowli Police have taken possession of documents and electronic devices allegedly linked to the case. Investigators are examining the seized mobile phone and tablet for digital evidence that could reveal communications, passport applications, identity documents or interactions with other individuals involved in the alleged fraud.
The applications and supporting documents connected with the case have been forwarded to the Regional Passport Office in Secunderabad for further examination. Officials are expected to verify the passport records and establish when the different passports were issued, what documents were submitted and whether the applications contained false or misleading information.
The verification could also help determine whether any procedural irregularities occurred during the issuance of the passports.
Travel Agents and Middlemen Under Scanner
The investigation is not limited to the accused. Police are also examining the possible involvement of travel agents, brokers or other intermediaries who may have assisted in preparing documents or obtaining multiple passports.
Investigators are expected to establish the source of the alleged fake residence certificate and examine the entire chain of documents submitted with the passport applications. If evidence shows that other people knowingly helped obtain passports using false identities or fabricated documents, further arrests or legal action could follow.
Authorities are also looking into whether the accused used the different identities to facilitate international travel or gain access to services that required separate identity documents.
US Visa Process Provided Key Lead
The case highlights how inconsistencies during international visa verification can expose identity-related fraud. In this instance, differences in personal details across multiple US visa applications reportedly prompted additional scrutiny, eventually bringing the alleged possession of multiple passports to the attention of Indian authorities.
For investigators, the next challenge is to establish the complete purpose behind the different identities and passports. Officials will examine whether they were used exclusively for US visa applications or whether they were also used for overseas travel, financial transactions or other official processes.
The electronic devices seized from the accused could provide further clues about the alleged operation, including communications with intermediaries and the preparation or submission of documents.
The accused remains in judicial custody while the investigation continues. Police and passport authorities are examining the records to determine how many documents were allegedly obtained using false information, whether any intermediaries were involved and how the multiple identities were used. The findings of the ongoing investigation will determine the further legal action in the case.
