Breaking: Election Commission to Confront Fake IDs of Afghan Nationals in Patna Ahead of Bihar Polls!
Afghan Nationals in Patna: EPIC Scandal Involving Fake Identity Documents
Lucknow: In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Indian electoral system, the Election Commission of India (ECI) plans to annul the elector’s photo identity card (EPIC) of several Afghan nationals residing in Patna, who are implicated in a scheme involving counterfeit Indian identity cards. The issue came to light following a report by the Times of India on May 29, detailing the troubling circumstances surrounding a residence known as "Wakil Anwer House."
The Discovery of Fake Identities
At the center of this unfolding story is Jandullah Dad Mohammad, an Afghan national hailing from Paktika province. Jandullah, who reportedly entered India on a six-day medical visa in December 2019, subsequently evaded authorities and went underground. By early 2020, he had fabricated an entire suite of Indian identity documents, including:
- EPIC (AFS3853934)
- Indian passport (C6978659)
- Aadhaar card (322874855132)
- PAN card (ETXPR8222K)
- Driving license (BR0120210005369)
- SBI bank passbook (39914603822)
- Birth certificate issued by Patna Municipal Corporation (B-2019 10-90097 025254)
- Ration card
These fraudulent documents enabled Jandullah to impersonate an Indian citizen named "Rehan," sparking a significant investigation by the authorities. The matter escalated when Jandullah was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on May 19.
Connections and Complications at Wakil Anwer House
Electoral registration officer (ERO) Raghvendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the investigation revealed suspicious patterns among the occupants of Wakil Anwer House, primarily occupied by young males in their 20s and 30s. The electoral roll unveiled disconcerting facts:
- Twelve male residents were listed, with only one woman present.
- Multiple individuals had identical details, including names and ages, further solidifying suspicions.
At least four occupants shared several key pieces of information:
- They had the same father’s name, "Kabir."
- Each possessed EPICs that raised red flags due to their striking similarities.
Such dubious activity has prompted the ECI to revoke several registered identities, including those of Mansur, Jandullah’s brother, and Mohammad Sher Khan, who also had dual EPICs. Raghvendra expressed serious concerns, stating, "One individual cannot have two EPICs," emphasizing the integrity of the electoral process.
Implications for the Electoral Process
This incident poses significant ramifications for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. With the ECI already working to eliminate fraudulent entries from the electoral roll, the situation at Wakil Anwer House not only compromises the reliability of Indian democracy but also highlights vulnerabilities within the immigration system.
The investigation is ongoing, with the owner of Wakil Anwer House absent from Patna and promising to return shortly to provide necessary information regarding the occupancy and conditions in his property. The local authorities are keen on establishing a clearer understanding of the identities and statuses of all residents.
Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance
As the situation unfolds, it raises vital questions about immigration controls and the security of the electoral system. The ECI’s decisive actions to remove fraudulent EPICs could serve as a blueprint for combating identity fraud in future generations while maintaining electoral integrity.
In summary, the Wakil Anwer House identity fraud case sheds light on larger issues concerning immigration, identity verification, and electoral legitimacy. It brings to the forefront the importance of vigilance and comprehensive checks to prevent the misuse of identity documents, ensuring that the democratic processes in India remain fair and transparent.
Conclusion
As the Bihar assembly elections draw near, the incident underscores the need for robust verification methods to safeguard against identity fraud. The Election Commission’s proactive measures send a clear message: India will not tolerate any breach of its electoral sanctity.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work hard to unravel the complexities of this worrying case.
