Aadhaar and Ration Cards for Rs 700: Reports Suggest Bangladeshi Nationals Using Forged Documents to Live as Indian Citizens in Kerala
Reports indicate that a forgery network is supplying counterfeit Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards bearing Kerala addresses for as little as Rs 700, allowing Bangladeshi nationals to pose as Indian citizens in the state. The matter came to light after Kerala Police arrested 10 Bangladeshi nationals from Kottarakkara in Kollam district who were found carrying these forged documents.
Quick Facts
- Ten Bangladeshi nationals were arrested from Kottarakkara in Kollam district, Kerala.
- Those arrested were found carrying Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards bearing Kerala addresses.
- Reports indicate forged identity documents resembling genuine ones were obtainable for as little as Rs 700.
- A Bengaluru-centric network is reported to be manufacturing the forged documents.
- Kerala Police and central intelligence units have intensified scrutiny of migrant worker registrations and biometric identification systems.
What Happened?
According to reports, Kerala Police arrested 10 Bangladeshi nationals in Kottarakkara, Kollam district, who were carrying Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards listing Kerala addresses. The arrests reportedly exposed a deep-rooted network, said to be centred in Bengaluru, that manufactures forged identity documents made to closely resemble authentic ones. Preliminary investigations indicate these counterfeit documents could be obtained for as little as Rs 700.
Key Facts
- Investigators reportedly found that many of those involved first enter India by crossing the Bangladesh border and arrive in areas such as Murshidabad in West Bengal.
- After obtaining initial forged documents in West Bengal, individuals are reported to move to other parts of the country, including Kerala.
- Many reportedly choose Kerala because of employment opportunities, initially arriving under the identity of migrant workers from West Bengal before using local addresses to establish Indian identities.
- Reports also indicate that, separately, the Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a Bangladeshi national, identified as Mumtaz Begum, on June 8 from Kulasekharapuram in Kollam district, alleged to be linked to a racket facilitating fake Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards, with the ATS having arrested 36 Bangladeshis in recent days in connection with related investigations.
- There are reports that a number of Bangladeshi nationals are leaving various parts of Kerala as the investigation has intensified, with a reported decline in migrant worker numbers in several areas of the state.
Why It Matters
The reports point to a documented pattern of forged Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar and ration cards, being used to establish residency claims in Kerala. Kerala Police and central intelligence units have reportedly stepped up checks on migrant worker registrations and biometric identification systems across the state as part of efforts to identify such cases.
Latest Developments
Separate reporting indicates that the Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Bangladeshi national Mumtaz Begum on June 8 from Kulasekharapuram in Kollam district in connection with an alleged racket producing forged identity documents, with 36 Bangladeshis reported arrested in recent days as part of related investigations. Reports also indicate an increased rate of departure of migrant workers from parts of Kerala as scrutiny of documents has intensified.
Top India News Analysis
No original analysis available at the time of publication.
Key Takeaways
- Ten Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Kottarakkara, Kollam district, carrying forged Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, and ration cards with Kerala addresses.
- Reports indicate these forged documents were obtainable for as little as Rs 700 from a network reportedly centred in Bengaluru.
- Investigators reportedly trace an entry route through the Bangladesh border into West Bengal, followed by relocation to Kerala using local addresses.
- Kerala Police and central agencies have reportedly intensified checks on migrant worker registrations and biometric systems statewide.
- A related arrest of a Bangladeshi national allegedly linked to a forged-document racket was reported separately in Kollam district.
Sources Consulted
- The Statesman
- Organiser
Author: Manjula Devi R
Publisher: Top India News
