Ghaziabad | Central and state security agencies have launched an extensive investigation after a fake passport racket was uncovered in Modinagar, Ghaziabad, revealing that at least 22 Indian passports were issued using forged identity documents. Officials confirmed that some of the beneficiaries included Afghan refugees who allegedly posed as Indian residents.
The case has triggered concern across enforcement agencies, with teams from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS–Noida unit) and the Local Intelligence Unit questioning five arrested individuals at Bhojpur police station. Investigators are examining the purpose behind obtaining the passports and probing possible foreign links.
Fake Documents and Identity Chain
During document scrutiny, authorities discovered that the driving licences submitted as identity proof were completely forged. Transport department officials confirmed that these licences do not exist on the Sarathi portal, the national database for driving licences.
Investigators said the fake licences were used to generate fraudulent Aadhaar cards, which were then used to procure mobile phone connections—completing the identity trail required for passport issuance.
Limited Mobile Numbers Used
Police revealed that only four mobile numbers were used for all 22 passport applications. One number was linked to 13 applications, another to six, while the remaining two numbers were used for two and one application respectively. All mobile numbers were obtained using forged Aadhaar credentials.
Although the passports listed addresses in Tyodi Bisva-7 village, Bhojpur and Saidpur areas, verification found that none of the beneficiaries actually resided there.
Lapses in Verification Process
The investigation has also exposed serious procedural lapses. A postal employee responsible for handling passport-related documentation has been suspended for negligence. Police said the employee went absconding after his role surfaced in the inquiry.
Departmental action has also been initiated against police personnel involved in address verification, with senior officers examining whether there was any deliberate collusion.
Arrests and Ongoing Manhunt
Five accused—Vivek Gandhi, Prakash Subba, Arun Kumar (a postal worker), Savant Kaur and her son Amandeep Singh—have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police teams have been formed to trace other suspects, including middlemen and additional officials allegedly involved in the racket.
Authorities are also re-verifying the remaining passport holders to assess any potential national security implications.
Crime Branch to Lead Investigation
Given the sensitivity of the case, the investigation is being handed over to the Crime Branch. Ghaziabad Police Commissioner J. Ravinder Goud said fake passport rackets pose serious internal security threats and will be dealt with firmly.
Security agencies are also examining whether the forged passports were intended for illegal travel, asylum misuse or other cross-border activities. Officials said further questioning may reveal a wider network operating beyond Ghaziabad.
The case has underscored vulnerabilities in identity verification systems, prompting agencies to review safeguards to prevent similar breaches in the future.
