Passport Fraud Uncovered in Pilibhit
Police in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against a local resident for allegedly acquiring three separate Indian passports, each bearing a different date of birth and distinct personal particulars. The extensive fraud came to light during the police verification process for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application.
The individual identified as Simar Preet, a resident of Jamunia Jagat village, had submitted an application for a PCC. During the standard verification, officials at the Regional Passport Office in Bareilly discovered significant discrepancies when cross-referencing his current application details with existing records of previously issued passports.
Multiple Identities and Discrepancies
Investigation revealed that Simar Preet had managed to obtain multiple passports over several years, each with conflicting information:
- First Passport: Issued in 2016 by the Bareilly Passport Office, listing the date of birth as March 10, 1999.
- Second Passport: Issued in 2023 by the Lucknow Passport Office, with a different date of birth recorded as May 29, 2001.
- Third Passport: Issued on December 15, 2023, this passport carried yet another date of birth: November 19, 2002.
The system of routinely cross-checking applications against the passport office's database proved crucial in detecting this elaborate scheme of identity manipulation. Such inconsistencies typically trigger immediate alerts and coordination with local law enforcement for a more in-depth inquiry.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the alert from the Regional Passport Office, authorities at the Ghunghchai police station in Pilibhit registered a case. Circle Officer Vidhi Bhushan Maurya confirmed that a thorough investigation has been launched to ascertain the full extent of the Pilibhit passport fraud.
Investigators are now tasked with examining all application forms, supporting documents, and passport office records related to the issuances. The probe aims to determine if forgery, the use of fake documents, or any form of collusion facilitated the acquisition of these multiple passports. Further legal action will be pursued based on the evidence collected during the ongoing inquiry.