Bengaluru: Two Pakistani nationals have been arrested in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district after authorities cancelled their ration card and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), alleging that the documents were obtained by concealing their nationality.
The accused, Farah Naz and her son Mohammed Fardeen, were arrested following a complaint filed by the Bagepalli Tahsildar. Police have launched an investigation into the case.
Verification drive uncovers alleged irregularities
According to the Chikkaballapur police, a routine verification of identity records revealed that the mother and son, residents of Dasaiahgari Palli village in Bagepalli taluk, were Pakistani nationals despite possessing documents meant exclusively for eligible Indian citizens.
Superintendent of Police Kushal Chousky said police received credible information regarding the alleged irregularities, prompting an inquiry by the district administration.
Ration card and voter IDs cancelled
The investigation found that Mohammed Ayub Khan, a native of Bagepalli, had married Farah Naz, a Pakistani national, while working in the UAE. The couple has four children.
Officials said Ayub Khan and three of their children are Indian citizens. However, Mohammed Fardeen was born in Pakistan and, along with his mother, continues to hold Pakistani nationality.
Following the inquiry, the Chikkaballapur Deputy Commissioner cancelled the ration card after concluding that it had allegedly been obtained by suppressing material facts relating to nationality. The competent authority also cancelled the Electoral Photo Identity Cards issued to the two.
Case registered under multiple laws
Based on the Tahsildar’s complaint, police have registered a case against Farah Naz and Mohammed Fardeen under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Foreigners Act, and the Representation of the People Act.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine how the documents were issued and whether any additional persons were involved in the process.