Mumbai: A woman of Nepali origin was arrested at Mumbai’s Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to travel to Oman using a forged Indian passport, officials said. The incident came to light last week when she approached the immigration counter to board a flight to Muscat.
Suspicion raised over her identity
The woman, who identified herself as Kajal, presented an Indian passport indicating her birthplace as Nohra, Himachal Pradesh. However, immigration officers noticed her facial features appeared distinctly Nepali, prompting further scrutiny. She was referred to the authorities for verification.
During questioning, she admitted that she was not an Indian citizen but a Nepali national. She revealed her real name as Kajal Lama, hailing from Parsa district in Nepal.
Forged documents used to obtain Indian passport
Kajal told the police that her parents had migrated from Nepal to Himachal Pradesh several years ago. Using this background, she procured an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and a bona fide certificate with a fake Himachal address. With these forged documents, she successfully obtained an Indian passport from the Shimla Passport Office.
Authorities confirmed that the immigration officer’s vigilance led to her apprehension before she could board the flight.
Legal action initiated
Based on the complaint filed by the immigration officer, Kajal Lama has been booked on charges including misleading passport authorities, forging documents, and attempting illegal international travel. The Sahar police station is investigating the case further.
Conclusion
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding forged documents and illegal travel attempts, reinforcing the need for strict verification procedures at immigration checkpoints. Authorities have urged vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious cases.