In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, the Malpe police in Udupi arrested seven Bangladeshi nationals for unlawfully residing in India with forged Aadhaar cards. The arrest followed an alert from immigration authorities when another Bangladeshi national, Muhammed Manik, was apprehended attempting to travel to Dubai from Mangaluru International Airport using a fake passport. Upon his detention, Bajpe police registered a case against Manik, leading to further investigations that uncovered more individuals involved in illegal activities.
The Investigation and Arrests
Based on the information provided by Bajpe police and immigration officials, the Malpe police initiated a search operation and located seven individuals in Hoode village, Paduthonse, Udupi taluk. The accused—Hakeem Ali (24), Sujon SK alias Farooq (19), Ismail SK (30), Kareem SK (22), Salam SK (28), Rajikul SK (20), and Mohammad Sojib (20)—were arrested while behaving suspiciously near the Vadabhadeswara Bus Stop.
The police observed the group around 7 p.m. on October 11, when PSI Praveen Kumar R, during routine patrol, noticed their unusual behavior as they waited with luggage. Upon further investigation, it was found that the group had entered India without valid documents and had created fake Aadhaar cards to avoid detection by authorities.
Fake Aadhaar Cards and Facilitators
The group had settled in Hoode village, likely to find work using forged documents. The investigation revealed that two individuals played key roles in facilitating their illegal entry into the country. Kajol, hailing from Agartala, allegedly helped in creating the fake Aadhaar cards, while Usman, another Bangladeshi national, is believed to have assisted the group in crossing the border illegally.
These fake Aadhaar cards were crucial for the group, as they allowed them to live and work in India undetected. With these counterfeit identities, they were able to blend into the local population and seek employment, bypassing immigration laws.
Legal Action Taken
The police registered cases against the accused under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), and 340(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with Section 190 of the BNS Act. These sections pertain to offenses related to illegal entry, possession of forged documents, and attempts to deceive authorities. The swift action taken by the authorities is seen as part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal immigration and forged documentation in the region.
Concerns Over Security
This incident has raised concerns about the ease with which foreign nationals can obtain fake documents and evade law enforcement. Forged Aadhaar cards, in particular, are a growing problem, as they serve as primary identification for many services in India, including employment and housing. The involvement of local individuals, such as Kajol and Usman, in facilitating such activities also points to larger networks that aid illegal immigration.
The arrests come at a time when the government is increasingly focusing on border security and the prevention of illegal immigration. This case serves as a reminder of the need for stricter controls and surveillance to ensure that such incidents are minimized.
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