West Bengal Fake Passport Raids: ED Arrests Tied to Pakistani National in Kolkata

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its probe into a fake passport racket in West Bengal with ties to a Pakistani national. Raids were conducted at multiple locations including Kolkata and Nadia district, resulting in the arrest of three individuals under suspicion of fraudulently creating documents used for international travel and smuggling operations.

ED Cracks Down on Passport Scam Near Seva Kendra

On November 3, 2025, the ED carried out strategic raids on an online passport application centre situated directly opposite the Passport Seva Kendra in Kolkata. This centre is suspected of being involved in processing up to 350 fake passport applications. Officials identified the use of these fake documents in facilitating illegal overseas travels, with significant concern about cross-border implications, particularly connections to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Targeted Raids and Arrests in Nadia District

Earlier in the day, ED officers raided the home of Biplab Sarkar, a carpenter in Padari village, Chakdaha, along with his relatives Bipul and Binanda Sarkar. All three were detained for questioning, with Biplab transported to Kolkata for extended interrogation. The case took a deeper turn due to alleged Bangladeshi links and possible financial activity inconsistent with their professions.

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Links to Earlier Arrests and Pakistani National

The investigation stems from the arrest of Azad Mallick, a Pakistani national, earlier in the year. Mallick is believed to have operated a fake visa and hawala network across India and Bangladesh. A key suspect, Indu Bhushan Halder, arrested in April 2025, disclosed the names of Biplab Sarkar and others during interrogation. Halder reportedly operated a cyber café that enabled the creation of fraudulent identities and fake Indian passports.

Fake Identity Trail and Wider Implications

A chargesheet filed by West Bengal Police previously named 130 accused individuals, including 120 believed to be illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. ED is now focused on financial transactions, travel records, and mobile phone data, potentially signalling a broader issue of cross-border illegal immigration facilitated through digital platforms and compromised identity documents.

Conclusion

The ED's continuing investigation into the fake passport network in West Bengal reveals a complex nexus involving cyber fraud, illegal immigration, and international crime. The arrests and raids illustrate growing concern over national security and misuse of India's identification systems.

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