MUMBAI: In a major security breach, Mumbai Police have recovered suspicious nuclear-related data and 14 maps from a man who posed as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research facility. The suspect, identified as Akhtar Qutubuddin Hussaini, was arrested last week in Versova. Officials are now probing whether the seized material contains classified or sensitive information pertaining to India’s nuclear infrastructure.
Fake scientist with multiple identities
Investigators revealed that Hussaini had been posing as a senior scientist using multiple forged identities. During the search, police recovered several fake passports, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and even counterfeit BARC identity cards bearing different names. One ID described him as Ali Raza Hussain, while another listed the name Alexander Palmer.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Hussaini may have used these fake documents to establish credibility and gain access to restricted individuals or institutions. He had been reportedly residing in Mumbai’s Versova area for several months.
Sources added that the accused had made several international calls over the past few months. The police are now examining his call data records (CDRs) to trace possible communication with foreign operatives or networks suspected of espionage activity.
History of deception and international travel
Further investigation has uncovered a long history of identity fraud and suspicious travel. In 2004, Hussaini was deported from Dubai after claiming to be a “scientist possessing classified documents.” Despite being expelled, he allegedly managed to re-enter Dubai and travel to Tehran and other international destinations using forged passports.
Police sources revealed that Hussaini hails from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and had sold his ancestral home in 1996. However, he continued using the same old address to obtain fake documents with the help of contacts from his hometown.
Forged passports and local accomplices
Investigators believe that Hussaini’s brother, Adil, played a key role in procuring fake passports. Adil reportedly introduced him to Munazzil Khan, a Jharkhand resident involved in document forgery. Police suspect that Khan prepared two fake passports under the names Hussaini Mohammad Adil and Nasimuddin Syed Adil Hussaini, both carrying the outdated Jamshedpur address.
Further complicating the case, police have discovered that Munazzil Khan’s brother, Ilyas Khan, was also part of the forgery network. Ilyas allegedly supplied Hussaini with fake educational certificates, including school and college degrees, to bolster his false scientist persona.
The Mumbai Police have since declared Ilyas Khan a wanted man, and a search operation has been launched to trace him.
Links to other criminal cases
The probe also revealed that Adil Hussaini was recently arrested by Delhi Police in connection with another case. However, Akhtar tried to mislead investigators by claiming that his brother had died years ago.
In addition to the current forgery and espionage-related charges, Akhtar Hussaini is also wanted by the Meerut Police for allegedly inciting and spreading discontent against the Uttar Pradesh government.
Police and intelligence agencies on alert
The Mumbai Police have shared preliminary findings with central intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The recovered maps and data are now being analysed by nuclear security experts from BARC to assess their sensitivity and potential implications for national security.
A senior police officer confirmed that investigations are ongoing under strict confidentiality. “We are verifying the authenticity and relevance of the seized data. Multiple agencies are involved due to the potential national security implications,” he said.
The authorities are also exploring whether Hussaini had attempted to infiltrate or approach scientists from BARC or related defence establishments using his fake credentials.
Broader implications
This case has raised concerns over the ease of obtaining fake identity documents and the potential misuse of forged credentials to impersonate officials from sensitive institutions. Experts have urged tighter security verification for individuals claiming association with strategic establishments like BARC, ISRO, and DRDO.
The police have assured that further updates will be shared once forensic and intelligence analyses are complete. For now, Hussaini remains in custody as investigators unravel the full extent of his activities and connections.