Bhopal STF Detains 2 In Fake Passport Case

A Special Task Force (STF) team in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has detained two individuals, Subhash and Vijay, for questioning in connection with a fake passport case involving a Bangladeshi national, Riyal Choudhary.

Choudhary, who had been staying at a monastery in Anna Nagar, was arrested by the STF for allegedly preparing Indian identity documents, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and driving licence, while posing as a Buddhist monk.

The investigation has revealed that Choudhary, who had been living in Bhopal for nearly one-and-a-half years, had obtained four passports at different times, citing lost or damaged previous passports. The STF is currently examining the documents, addresses, and police verification records submitted with the four applications.

Vijay, the operator of a nearby cyber cafe, is suspected of preparing fake documents, including Aadhaar, residence, and PAN documents, for Choudhary and others. Subhash, who was working as a caretaker at the monastery, was also detained for questioning.

The case has taken a significant turn, with the STF probing possible foreign funding and the role of 15 police officials involved in passport verification during 2021 and 2022-23. The police officials are under scanner for their alleged involvement in the fake passport racket.

The investigation has also revealed that Choudhary was planning to bring children from Bangladesh to Bhopal for education and arrange Indian documents for them. A hostel with a capacity of 40 children was being constructed behind the monastery for this purpose.

Choudhary allegedly collected donations in the name of various activities and helping children, with donation lists recovered from the monastery showing contributions ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The STF is also examining suspicious documents linked to Betul, Chhindwara, and Pandhurna, and over 100 passports.

The Police Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar, has stated that action will be taken against the personnel concerned after the STF submits a report. The case is being closely monitored, and further investigations are underway.

The fake passport racket has significant implications for national security, and the STF is working to uncover the extent of the racket and those involved. The case highlights the need for stringent verification processes and vigilance in preventing such incidents.

In conclusion, the detention of Subhash and Vijay in connection with the fake passport case is a significant development in the investigation. The case has far-reaching implications, and the STF is working to uncover the truth and bring those involved to justice.