Fake passport racket thrives in Bodhan

NIZAMABAD: In a shocking revelation, the authenticity of more than 500 passports issued in Bodhan has become a cause for suspicion.

After a fake passports racket was busted in Bodhan, all those issued since 2016 are being re-verified. Eight special teams have been pressed into service to verify the details of all passport holders.

Two Bangladesh nationals were arrested at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad last month for possessing fake passports from Bodhan. They were sent for re-verification.

Special Branch police head constables Mallesh and Anil, who worked in Bodhan from 2016 to 2021 allegedly supported the accused in an official capacity.

As a result, more than 500 passports were issued in Bodhan, Kotagiri, Varni, Renjal, Yedapally, Rudrur, Mosra and Chandur mandals. Primarily, police officers noticed that around 72 fake passports were issued in Bodhan. Shockingly, all of them were issued on three addresses in the town. There is no way to link with the address and fake passport holders.

Reportedly, with the support of Special Branch policemen and postal department employees, the Bangladeshis got Indian passports by submitting fake details. Of 72 fake passports, around 25 persons have left to their foreign destinations, including Dubai.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a police officer, on the condition of anonymity, said that passports are issued regularly by the Ministry of External Affairs. Special Branch constables feed details of the passport applicants in their tabs and higher officials release it immediately, he said.

Earlier, the higher-ups thoroughly checked all applications manually. Now with the digital mode, the negligence in different levels stands exposed, he opined.

Expecting bribes from fake passport applicants, SB officials might have cleared applications, he said. Appropriate action should be initiated against all those involved in the scam, he opined.