What exactly happened in the recent fake passport scam in Bengal?

The fake passport scam in Kolkata came to light when the police uncovered a racket involved in producing counterfeit passports using fake documents and computer software. During a search operation, authorities discovered a factory manufacturing these passports. So far, eight people have been arrested, including the mastermind and a travel agent from North 24 Parganas. Incriminating evidence like forged official documents, laptops, and hard drives were also seized during the raids.

What loopholes in the current passport issuance system led to this scam?

The scam exposed several vulnerabilities in the existing passport issuance system. Currently, there is limited police involvement in the verification process. Identity, address, and signature confirmations are often not rigorously cross-verified, unless a second confirmation is specifically requested. Passport Seva Kendras handle documentation largely independently, with minimal role for local police or senior officers. Additionally, the passport issuance through post offices has raised further concerns about the potential for misuse.

What measures has West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar recommended to strengthen the system?

To address these gaps, DGP Rajeev Kumar has proposed a more stringent and police-led verification process. He recommends greater involvement of the District Intelligence Branch (DIB) and senior police officers, including SPs, in confirming the identity of applicants. The proposal also suggests closer coordination between police and passport offices, ensuring that verification is not just procedural but deeply thorough. The goal is to prevent such fraudulent practices in the future by ensuring each application is scrutinised with proper authority.

What steps have the authorities taken so far in response to the scam?

In immediate response to the scam, the Kolkata Police acted swiftly by arresting eight individuals involved in the racket. They confiscated fake passports, forged documents, and electronic devices used in the operation. Additionally, the police have sent an official communication to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), highlighting the software vulnerabilities and requesting a review of the existing passport issuance and verification systems for enhanced security.

How can these reforms impact the credibility of the passport issuance system?

Implementing the proposed reforms will significantly enhance the credibility and reliability of India’s passport system. With deeper police engagement and stricter verification protocols, the risk of fraudulent passports being issued will reduce substantially. It will also help restore public trust in the passport issuance mechanism, ensuring that only genuine, verified individuals receive such critical identification documents. In the long run, it reinforces national security and the safety of Indian citizens.

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Fake Passport Scam In Bengal: DGP Calls For Overhaul Of Verification System

Komal Bajpai

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Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:39 AM

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With a recent fake passport racket discovered in Kolkata, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar has advocated a new stringent passport issuance process. Eight people have been arrested so far, and several frailties have been identified. The police have presented new measures for identity cheques to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

This article explains the features of the given scam, the loophole in the present system, and the precautions suggested to stop such fraud.

What Is The Fake Passport Scam In Bengal?

The fraud included manufacturing passports from fake documents as well as through the use of computer programs. The following points will help you to understand it in detail:-

Kolkata Police while conducting a search operation seized fake passports being produced in a certain factory.
Eight people have been arrested so far including the kingpin of the racket and a travel agent hailing from North 24 Parganas district.
Police arrested fake official documents, computers and hard disc equipment which they used in the scams.

What Are The Vulnerabilities In the Current Passport System?

The present procedure does not include the police and lacks adequate checks for the people concerned. Read the following points for better understanding.

Police do not corroborate applicants’ identity, address or signature except where the registry requests a second confirmation.
Passport seva kendras deal with documentation in this and do not allow local police or senior officers much say.
Purchases made through post offices have also exacerbated fears of misuse of passports.

What Proposals Has The West Bengal DGP Made To Strengthen The System?

There has been a suggestion by the DGP to increase the scope of policemen in the exercise of verification.

Recommended that only the DIB and senior officers should have a greater role than the present involvement of local police stations.
It is suggested that the recommended superintendents of police (SPs) take personal responsibility of confirmation, to warrant the validity.
Prompted agency officials such as DIB and passport offices to work together to minimise risks.

What Actions Have Been Taken So Far?

Kolkata Police has already moved to act against the racket.

They arrested eight people, including the alleged leader.
Some of the main smart and electronic evidence, such as fake certificates, laptops, and disc drives, have been seized.
Negotiations have been done through a letter to the MEA expressing the software problems and requesting system changes.

Conclusion

It is also important to consider that the case of a fake passport scam in Bengal has completely exposed the shortcomings of the current verification mechanism. Greater coordination with other agencies, and more engagement of the police, thus having a stronger mechanism against its abuse. Such action will protect the credibility of the passport issuance system, thus guaranteeing safety for the citizens.

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