On September 17, Sahar police apprehended two Afghan nationals at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. They are accused of acquiring Indian passports through the use of forged documents and false birth information. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns regarding identity fraud and the misuse of official documentation in the region.
Police said Sherbat, identified in immigration records as Afghan passport holder Ahmad Khan (48), entered India on Aug 10, 2016, on a single-entry medical visa that expired on Oct 11, 2016. He allegedly overstayed and obtained an Indian passport under the name Khan Sherbate Ali Shah, recording his birthplace as Patna, Bihar, and date of birth as Feb 25, 1980. Police said the two contacted an agent in Mumbai in 2016 who arranged voter identity cards, Aadhaar cards , PAN cards and driving licences.
Police said the phones had been completely formatted. These documents were allegedly used to obtain passports under false names and birth details. Police are trying to trace the agent. Officials seized their Indian passports, boarding passes, voter and Aadhaar documents, birth certificates, medical fitness certificates and mobile phones. Bank cards, PAN cards, driving licences and other records were handed to the police.