Bangladeshi Model Detained in Kolkata for Fake Aadhaar Use

A 28-year-old Bangladeshi model and former airline crew member, Shanta Pal, was arrested recently in Kolkata for possessing multiple fake Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, a voter ID, and a ration card. She was found staying illegally in India without a valid visa at a rented apartment in the Jadavpur area of Kolkata, according to Kolkata Police.

Shanta Pal, a native of Barisal, Bangladesh, reportedly entered India a few months ago using a genuine Bangladeshi passport and initially rented accommodation in the Park Street area before moving to a flat in Bikramgarh. Police recovered two Aadhaar cards with different addresses—one in Kolkata and one in Burdwan—as well as a voter card and ration card registered with various addresses. Along with these Indian documents, several Bangladeshi passports issued in her name and other Bangladeshi IDs were also seized from her residence.

Investigations revealed that Pal took deliberate steps to fabricate an Indian identity, reportedly with the help of an agent, to facilitate travel and possibly business activities in India. One Aadhaar card was found to have been issued in 2020 from an address in Burdwan, but local residents deny knowing her, raising questions about how these documents were approved. Police are currently coordinating with government agencies such as UIDAI (which issues Aadhaar cards) and the Election Commission to verify the authenticity and source of these identity cards.

Pal also has a background in entertainment; besides working with Bangladesh’s Regent Airways as crew, she was involved in modelling, acting in regional films, and running a food vlog. Reports suggest she participated in several beauty contests in Bangladesh and was even a winner of the "Miss Asia Global Bangladesh" pageant. Her personal life has connections in India as well—her husband is reportedly an Andhra Pradesh resident, and authorities are investigating how their contact was established.

The police investigation framed charges against her under sections related to cheating and criminal conspiracy. During questioning, Pal could not provide satisfactory answers regarding how she obtained these Indian documents. Officers suspect she intended to use these fake IDs for traveling to other foreign countries via India, as she struggled to find legitimate routes from Bangladesh.

This case sheds light on the ongoing challenges India faces with identity fraud and border security. Fake Aadhaar and voter ID cards not only facilitate illegal residency but also risk compromising administrative systems that rely on these IDs for citizen services and law enforcement. The porous India-Bangladesh border has seen cases of illegal crossings and fake documentation, which puts pressure on authorities to strengthen verification mechanisms and control illegal migration.

From a broader perspective, Shanta Pal’s story is a complex intertwining of personal aspiration, cross-border mobility challenges, and systemic vulnerabilities in identity verification. While the Indian government strictly regulates citizenship and migration laws, some individuals seek alternative means under pressure of political, economic, or social hardship. The police are also investigating possible links to other suspects who might have assisted her in obtaining these fake documents.

In summary, the arrest of a Bangladeshi model in Kolkata for possession of fake Aadhaar and other Indian identity documents highlights critical issues surrounding illegal residency, identity fraud, and cross-border security. It underscores the importance of vigilant policing and inter-agency cooperation for safeguarding national documents and maintaining the integrity of identification systems. At the same time, it reflects the complexities faced by individuals caught between national borders and limited opportunities in their home countries. The ongoing investigation will likely reveal more about the networks involved and help authorities prevent similar incidents in the future.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies