Seventh Arrest in Bengal Fake Passport Racket: Operation Aims to Expose Illegal Bangladesh

Kolkata: In a breakthrough, the Kolkata Police arrested a seventh suspect involved in a fake passport racket that has been enabling illegal Bangladeshi nationals to infiltrate India using counterfeit Indian identity documents.

The arrested individual, identified as Manoj Gupta, was taken into custody from his rented residence in the Chandpara area of North 24 Parganas district, under the jurisdiction of the Gaighata Police Station.

Gupta is believed to be a key intermediary in a complex network that facilitates the creation and distribution of fake Indian identity documents, including passports, to illegal Bangladeshi migrants. His arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into this widespread racket, which has been operating under the radar in West Bengal, capitalizing on the porous borders between India and Bangladesh.

Gupta’s Role in the Fake Passport Scheme

According to sources within the Kolkata Police, Gupta was deeply involved in connecting illegal Bangladeshi nationals with a fraudulent travel agency based in Behala, a locality in the southern part of Kolkata. This agency is at the heart of the counterfeit document operation, serving as the main facilitator for illegal migrants seeking to obtain fake Indian identity cards and passports. Gupta’s role primarily revolved around acting as a middleman, coordinating between the infiltrators and the agency.

Investigators revealed that Gupta had a network of contacts within this fraudulent agency and played a pivotal role in arranging for fake documents in exchange for significant sums of money from those seeking to bypass immigration laws. His activities were largely conducted from a rented accommodation, where crucial evidence was uncovered.

A Growing Problem: Fake Passports and Illegal Infiltration

The recent string of arrests, including Gupta’s, highlights the growing problem of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration into India, especially through West Bengal’s borders. Since December 15, a total of seven arrests have been made in connection with the fake passport racket, with investigators piecing together a larger scheme that exploits vulnerabilities in India’s document verification system.

The operation typically begins with illegal migrants crossing over from Bangladesh into India through poorly patrolled border areas. Upon their arrival, these infiltrators make contact with local agents who then arrange for them to be provided with shelter in villages near the Bangladesh-India border. From there, the network begins its process of creating counterfeit identity documents, starting with fake ration cards.

Fake Ration Cards to Fake Passports: The Elaborate Process

The creation of fake identity documents follows a specific, systematic process. First, the infiltrators are given fraudulent ration cards, which serve as the foundational document for producing additional fake identification. Once in possession of the fake ration cards, other critical documents—such as the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards, and Aadhaar cards—are fabricated. These fabricated identity papers are then used to secure fraudulent passports, completing the cycle of illegal documentation.

The final stage of the process involves the creation of the fake passports, which are often presented as official documents to gain entry into various systems, including travel and immigration controls. These counterfeit passports are created based on the fake documents obtained in the earlier steps, making it incredibly difficult for authorities to detect the deception.

Seizing Evidence: Gupta’s Computer and Digital Footprint

During Gupta’s arrest, police seized several critical pieces of evidence, including a hard disk from his personal computer. Preliminary investigations have revealed numerous incriminating documents related to the creation and distribution of fake Indian identity papers. These documents are expected to provide further insights into the scale and reach of the racket, potentially leading to the identification of more members of the network.

Notably, Dipankar Das, another individual arrested earlier in this case, had links to the same travel agency in Behala, underscoring the organized nature of this illicit operation. Investigators are working to link these suspects and uncover the full extent of the fraudulent network.

The Broader Implications of the Fake Passport Racket

The implications of this fake passport racket are significant, not only for national security but also for the integrity of India’s immigration and border control systems. The ability of illegal Bangladeshi nationals to obtain fake Indian identity documents undermines the country’s efforts to maintain security, particularly in regions with vulnerable borders like West Bengal.

The Kolkata Police are continuing their investigation, which has revealed a pattern of operations across multiple districts in West Bengal. The porous nature of the Indo-Bangladesh border, coupled with a lack of adequate monitoring in some areas, has made it a hotspot for cross-border illegal activities, including the trafficking of illegal migrants using forged documents.

Related Article: Fake passport racket: Database of arrested POPSK staff gives Kolkata cops clues on recipients

Law Enforcement’s Ongoing Efforts to Combat the Fake Passport Network

The arrest of Manoj Gupta is just one part of a broader crackdown on the fake passport racket that has been underway since mid-December. Police are focusing their efforts on dismantling the network, with plans to arrest additional individuals involved in the creation, distribution, and sale of fake documents.

The authorities have called for greater cooperation between border security agencies and local police to monitor and apprehend individuals engaged in these illegal activities. Moreover, ongoing efforts are being made to strengthen the verification systems for Indian identity documents to prevent future occurrences of such fraudulent activities.

A Wake-up Call for Border Security

As investigations into the fake passport racket continue to unfold, this case serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by illegal immigration and the exploitation of legal loopholes. It highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to border security, document verification, and law enforcement cooperation.

The Kolkata Police’s efforts to uncover and stop the fake passport racket are a critical step in safeguarding India’s borders from illegal infiltration and the misuse of its identity documents. While Gupta’s arrest is a significant achievement, it is likely to be only the beginning of a much larger investigation that could reveal a web of individuals involved in this dangerous and illegal activity.