Kanpur |A well-organized racket involved in arranging fake bail sureties for accused persons has come under the scanner in Kanpur. Police have launched a special verification drive, during which records of 578 bail guarantors were closely examined over the past 29 days and several of them were found to be forged.
According to officials, the network allegedly helps accused in serious criminal cases including cybercrime, robbery and even murder secure bail using forged documents. Once released, many of them reportedly return to crime, posing a challenge to law and order.
How the drive began
The city police launched a focused verification exercise from December 1. During the campaign, the following were flagged for scrutiny:
- Cases involving accused from other districts and states
- Old and serious criminal matters
- Suspicious or repeated bail guarantors
Altogether, cross-verification was carried out in 378 cases, covering 578 sureties linked to those cases.
“Professional guarantors” working for money
Investigators found several startling patterns. Some individuals were acting as “professional guarantors”, repeatedly standing surety for multiple accused. Forged documents and fake identity proofs were used in many applications. Names and addresses provided by guarantors often did not match reality.
These people allegedly work like a network, charge hefty sums from accused persons and help them get out of jail through fraudulent paperwork.
Lapses in verification exposed
The probe also revealed that in many instances, verification at the police-station and outpost level was not done strictly.
Where strict cross-checking should have been carried out, only formal procedures were followed — allowing accused persons to secure release with little scrutiny.
As a result, authorities are now re-examining each guarantor’s background, address, identity, income and past record.
What happens next
According to officials:
- Fake guarantors will face criminal cases
- Details of such cases will be shared with courts
- Responsibility will be fixed on the police units concerned
- Action will follow wherever negligence is proven
Going forward, every bail application will require digital verification along with field inquiry, making it harder for forged documents to pass.
Advisory for the public
Police have urged citizens:
- Do not become a guarantor using false or borrowed documents
- Fake bail only strengthens criminal networks
- Anyone found involved will face strict legal action
The drive will continue in the coming weeks. Authorities believe the entire network will be exposed sending a strong message that the era of fake bail sureties is ending.
