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In the chargesheet submitted last week in a lower court, the Kolkata Police named 130 individuals linked to fake passport operations
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Among them, 120 are Bangladeshi nationals, while the remaining are Indian citizens accused of facilitating the procurement of fraudulent identity documents
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The Indian suspects allegedly played key roles in arranging fake passports in exchange for large sums of money
Kolkata Police have issued lookout notices against 69 Bangladeshi nationals who illegally entered India and obtained Indian passports using forged documents, reported thestatesman.com.
The authorities fear that these individuals are still in hiding, primarily in West Bengal, and may attempt to flee to other countries.
The crackdown follows ongoing investigations into fake passport rackets operating in the state, with these infiltrators being identified during the probe. In response, key departments, including immigration, customs, and border security agencies, have been alerted and provided with detailed information on these individuals to prevent any escape.
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Investigations have also revealed a specific modus operandi employed by these rackets
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A notable accused in the case is Abdul Hai, a retired assistant inspector formerly with Kolkata Police’s security control organization
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He was arrested earlier this year and has been charged with approving police verifications for at least 52 fraudulent passport applications in exchange for bribes
Investigating officials classify the infiltrators into two broad categories. The first consists of economic migrants who entered India seeking livelihood opportunities. The second, more concerning category, includes individuals suspected of links to underground terror groups in Bangladesh, with potential objectives of establishing sleeper cells in West Bengal.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, intensifying their efforts to dismantle these networks and ensure that those responsible face legal action. The issuance of lookout notices is a crucial step in curbing illegal immigration and safeguarding national security
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