Mangaluru: Police have uncovered an alleged fake passport and fraud racket in which forged documents were reportedly used to obtain a passport under another person’s identity. Following the revelation, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have registered a criminal case against multiple individuals and intensified the investigation.
According to police sources, the case involves allegations of identity misuse, document forgery and fraudulent acquisition of travel documents. Officials stated that the matter came to light after authorities received confidential information regarding suspicious travel activity involving a woman who had allegedly travelled abroad using another person’s identity.
The investigation is currently underway to determine the full extent of the alleged network and identify the role of each accused individual.
Multiple persons booked in case
The CCB police have registered a criminal case against several individuals in connection with the alleged passport fraud operation.
Those named in the case include Ullal residents Preetha D’Souza, Prem D’Souza and Yashodha Keshav.
Police have invoked serious charges and initiated further inquiries into the matter.
Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals may have been involved in facilitating documentation, travel arrangements or other aspects of the alleged conspiracy.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains active and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
Investigation began after confidential information
Police said they had received confidential information indicating that a woman had travelled abroad using a passport issued under the name of Yashodha Keshav.
Following the tip-off, the CCB initiated an investigation to verify the details and examine records related to the passport.
During the verification process, investigators reportedly discovered discrepancies in the document.
According to police findings, while the passport carried the name and residential details of Yashodha Keshav, the photograph used in the passport allegedly belonged to Preetha D’Souza.
The discrepancy raised suspicions of identity fraud and led investigators to probe the matter further.
Police suspect forged documents used in conspiracy
Investigators suspect that the alleged operation was organised to facilitate the illegal overseas travel of Preetha D’Souza.
Police believe the conspiracy may have involved the preparation and use of forged documents to obtain the passport.
According to preliminary findings, the accused allegedly used Yashodha Keshav’s educational certificates, address proof and other official documents to secure the travel document while misleading authorities during the process.
Investigators are also examining how the documents were prepared and whether forged records were used at different stages of the application process.
Officials stated that further verification of records and supporting documents is ongoing.
Woman allegedly travelled abroad using fake passport
Police further revealed that Preetha D’Souza had allegedly travelled abroad through Mumbai airport on March 17, 2020, using the disputed passport.
Investigators suspect that the travel was carried out through fraudulent means after obtaining the document using another person’s identity.
Officials are now examining travel records and related evidence to establish the complete sequence of events.
Police have registered a case at the CCB police station and further investigation is underway.
Authorities are expected to continue inquiries into the alleged passport racket to determine whether similar incidents have occurred and whether additional persons are linked to the operation.