In a crackdown on alleged illegal stay and document fraud, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday booked a 68-year-old woman of Pakistani origin in Bareilly for reportedly obtaining an Aadhaar card and ration card using forged documents, despite living in India for decades on a long-term visa (LTV).
The woman, identified as Farhad Sultana, has been residing in Bareilly since 1965. Authorities claim she misused her residency status to unlawfully access Indian government welfare schemes.
A case has been registered against her under relevant provisions of the Citizenship Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections about cheating and forgery, at the Baradari police station in the city.
Tip-Off Triggers Investigation
According to the police, the case came to light during a broader campaign to identify and act against Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals staying illegally in the region. Acting on a tip-off, officials launched a discreet investigation into Sultana’s documentation and status.
“Following verification, we found substantial grounds to file a case,” said Station Officer Dhananjay Pandey of Baradari police station. He added that Sultana was briefly taken into custody on Saturday and later released on a personal bond pending further inquiry.
A Long-Term Resident
As per preliminary findings, Sultana was born in Karachi and arrived in India in 1965, when she was just eight years old, accompanied by her mother and sister, both of whom returned to Pakistan later.
However, Sultana stayed back and continued her life in Bareilly, residing with her maternal uncle and pursuing her education locally.
In 1985, she married Shahid Khaleel, a resident of the Sufi Tola locality in Bareilly. The couple went on to raise a family of six children, including four daughters and two sons.
Scrutiny Over Documentation
Authorities have confirmed that Sultana has been living in India on an LTV, which remains valid until July 2025. However, her acquisition of Aadhaar and ration cards, which are typically reserved for Indian citizens or permanent residents, has raised red flags. Investigators are now probing how she managed to obtain these documents, and whether local officials or third parties were complicit in facilitating the process.
“This is not just about one individual. The inquiry will also focus on the entire network or system that enabled this apparent fraud,” said Station Officer Pandey.
Broader Implications
The case has brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities in India’s documentation system, especially in cases involving long-term foreign residents. Officials have emphasized the need to tighten vetting processes to prevent similar misuse in the future.
The district police, in collaboration with central agencies, are now working to compile a comprehensive report on Sultana’s background, her interactions with local administrative offices, and her access to government schemes over the years.
Meanwhile, Sultana’s future in India remains uncertain, as legal proceedings could determine whether her visa will be revoked or extended.
The investigation is ongoing.