Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

CBI busts fake passport racket after raids in Bengal & Sikkim; 2 held

First Published: 15th October, 2023 10:59 IST

The probe agency made the arrests after searches at around 50 locations including Kolkata, Darjeeling, Siligiri, Alipurduar and Gangtok.

The CBI on Saturday busted a fake passport racket involving officials and middlemen in West Bengal and Sikkim, and arrested two persons, including an official of Passport Laghu Seva Kendra in Gangtok.

The probe agency made the arrests after searches at around 50 locations including Kolkata, Darjeeling, Siligiri, Alipurduar and Gangtok.

The probe began with the arrest of Gautam Kumar Saha, posted as Senior Superintendent at Passport Seva Laghu Kendra, Gangtok, and Dipu Chetri, middlemen.

The two were nabbed at a Siliguri hotel while Chetri was allegedly paying a bribe of Rs 1.9 lakh to Saha for the issuance of a passport.

“Both the accused were apprehended. During a search, an amount of Rs 3.08 lakh(approx) was also recovered from the possession of the said public servant,” official said.

The arrested accused will be produced before the Competent Court.

Earlier, officials filed a case against 24 individuals.

The FIR names 24 individuals, including 16 officials, who were allegedly issuing passports on the basis of forged documents to ineligible persons, including non-residents, in return for bribes, officials added.

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
Two Sikkim Women Die in Blaze at Spa in Gujarat

The victims, identified as Benu Hungma Limboo (30) and Manisha (24), died of asphyxiation after inhaling thick smoke from the blaze.

07th November 2024
Banner
Sikkim Woman Dies By Suicide Unable to Bear Losses Post GLOF

At least 95 people were killed, several displaced and at least 75 people were reported missing post the GLOF.

06th November 2024
Banner
Portion of Sikkim’s Lifeline NH-10 Handed Over to NHIDCL, LS MP Indra Hang Subba Welcomes Move

This shift follows a long-standing demand from the Sikkim government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

05th November 2024
Banner
Differently-Abled Man From Sikkim Allegedly Assaulted By Traffic Police in Odisha, CAP Demands Justice

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with advocacy groups and citizens condemning the act as an alarming violation of human rights.

05th November 2024
Banner
Gangtok Introduces Odd-Even Vehicle Rule and Changes School Timings to Tackle Traffic Woes. Check Details Here

To reduce traffic near schools, the Education Department has also changed the operating hours for schools in the GMC area.

05th November 2024