Udupi: ‘Factory’ for fake documents operating on the coast?

Team Udayavani, Oct 13, 2024, 10:20 AM IST

Udupi: A large network of individuals creating fake documents to enter India from abroad has come to light, particularly in coastal areas. Many illegal immigrants work as labourers, and some locals shelter them. The police are now faced with the challenge of dismantling this network.

With the discovery of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in the district, the police are investigating how these individuals obtain fake documents and who facilitates this process. There is growing suspicion that a “factory” producing fake documents may be operating on the coast. One of the arrested illegal immigrants is suspected of having acquired a fake passport in Udupi itself, raising concerns about the existence of a fake passport and an Aadhaar card racket.

In recent years, many foreign nationals have come to the district to work as construction labourers, fishermen, and daily wage workers. Among those entering with fake documents, a significant number are from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Their involvement in different types of work makes it difficult for locals and even the police to immediately suspect them. These immigrants often change jobs frequently, adding to the challenge for authorities.

Routes of Illegal Immigration

Bangladeshi immigrants often enter India illegally through West Bengal and Assam, obtaining fake documents in those states before moving to other parts of India. Sri Lankans, on the other hand, enter through Tamil Nadu and find work on fishing boats before moving to different coastal towns. This information has surfaced during investigations.

A few years ago, a Nigerian student who had overstayed his visa was detained. This case has shed light on how some individuals, after their visas expire, either stay illegally or re-enter India using fake documents.

During the passport application process, the police are required to verify documents, visit the applicant’s home, and collect detailed information. However, after the passport is issued, there is little follow-up on whether the individual remains in India or travels abroad. The police also lack accurate data on how many foreign nationals are currently residing in the district. Information on foreign students studying in local institutions is available, but details about those on visiting visas working in various jobs are scarce.

Fake Passports

Fake passports can be used by individuals involved in illegal activities, including terrorism. The person currently in custody in Malpe is suspected to have entered the country using a fake passport. Such cases come to light primarily through stringent checks at airports, which the authorities are now focusing on to catch more such offenders. The police believe that all documents these agents provide are counterfeit.

Agents’ Network

There is a large network of agents responsible for bringing in workers from other states and offering them jobs in Karnataka. These agents may be from Karnataka itself, and they are suspected of facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants from foreign countries. With demand for construction workers, fishermen, and laborers rising, it is difficult to trace the workers after they integrate into the local community. Catching these agents remains a major challenge for the police.

Punishment for Illegal Immigration

Those caught entering India without a visa, overstaying their visa, or using fake documents are subject to criminal investigations. There is no bail in such cases, and the punishment can range from a minimum of seven years to life imprisonment. Individuals who provide shelter or assist in creating fake documents for illegal immigrants are also subject to legal action, according to advocate Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde.

Fake Documents for Rs 10,000!

Udupi: A shocking revelation during the interrogation of those arrested indicates that fake documents can be acquired locally for just Rs 10,000. Illegal immigrants entering through West Bengal allegedly bribe local agents to obtain fake documents.

One of the arrested individuals has confessed that by paying Rs 10,000, they could easily obtain an Aadhaar card. The same method was used to acquire fake Aadhaar cards, which the immigrants then used to seek jobs in the region.

Responding to this, Udupi District Police Superintendent Dr. K. Arun said that an investigation is underway into the suspects. All of them were found with fake Aadhaar cards. One suspect, Mohammad Manik, was caught at the airport while attempting to fly to Dubai using a fake passport and an Aadhaar card.

The search for two other suspects is ongoing. The police are investigating how they crossed the border, who helped them locally, and how they obtained fake Aadhaar cards. A detailed investigation is being conducted, and the suspects will be presented before the court after due legal process, he added.