In a decisive move against an extensive fake passport racket, Lalbazar authorities are preparing to issue lookout notices to prevent further exploitation of fraudulent travel documents. The investigation has uncovered a shocking operation where over 121 passports were forged in recent years, primarily by Bangladeshi infiltrators posing as Indian citizens. Of these, more than 70 passports were successfully issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO), while another 50, which were in the process of being finalized, have already been blocked.
Detectives Target Infiltrators and RPO Links
Lalbazar detectives are determined to identify and take action against the individuals who possess these fake passports. By issuing lookout notices, authorities aim to stop them from leaving the country and to trace the illicit network enabling such activities. “The process of issuing lookout notices has commenced, and we are confident this step will help us identify and apprehend those holding fake passports,” an investigating officer said.
In addition to targeting infiltrators, the spotlight has also turned to employees of the RPO suspected of aiding in the creation of these fraudulent documents. A formal letter has been sent to RPO authorities seeking details about their staff’s involvement. Lalbazar sources pointed out that the RPO is responsible for verifying applications and accompanying documents, a process that now appears compromised.
Financial and Digital Traces Under Scrutiny
Investigators have also begun tracing the financial transactions associated with these fake passports. They suspect members of the racket opened bank accounts to fund the fraudulent applications, which require a deposit of 1,500 Bangladeshi Taka. Authorities are analyzing the accounts to determine the origins of these funds.
Moreover, the email IDs linked to these applications are under scrutiny, with investigators working to track down their creators. This comprehensive approach aims to dismantle the network from both ends, targeting the infiltrators and the facilitators within the system.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
As part of the crackdown, police arrested three individuals on Wednesday: Mohammad Imran, Mohan Sau, and Biswajit Ghosh, all residents of Hooghly. Their alleged involvement in the fake passport ring is being probed, with investigators suspecting a larger network. The trio was presented in Chandannagar court and remanded to 10-day police custody for interrogation.
Mohan Sau was apprehended from Mousuni Island in Namkhana, while Imran and Biswajit were nabbed from Chapdani and Tarkeshwar, respectively. An official from the Chandannagar Commissionerate confirmed, “We suspect many more individuals are part of this network. The arrested will be interrogated to uncover additional links.”
Accountability within the Police and Passport Authority
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Lalbazar is also investigating the roles of police passport officers who may have overlooked irregularities during the verification process. The bank accounts of several officers are being scrutinized to detect potential lapses or complicity in the issuance of fake passports.
A Coordinated Crackdown
The coordinated effort to dismantle this fake passport racket highlights the scale of the problem and the urgency of Lalbazar’s actions. By tightening verification protocols, issuing lookout notices, and investigating internal collusion, authorities aim to restore the integrity of the passport system and ensure national security.
Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds, revealing the extent of the network and the steps being taken to dismantle it completely.
