Bangladeshi Man's Fake Passport Foiled at Kolkata Airport

A Bangladeshi man was caught at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on August 8, 2025, while attempting to fly to Germany using a fake Indian passport. He was stopped by immigration officials during a routine check when they found discrepancies in his documents. Further investigation revealed that he held a real Bangladeshi passport under a different name, confirming his true nationality. He had reportedly entered India legally on a Bangladeshi passport but overstayed his visa before obtaining the fake Indian passport under a false identity.

Immigration authorities detained and interrogated him after discovering this identity inconsistency. The man, identified by immigration as having used the name Soumik Barua on his fake Indian passport while his real identity was Bibhas Roy from Chittagong, Bangladesh, could not provide convincing answers regarding his stay and travel plans. He was then handed over to the Kolkata airport police, who formally arrested him to face legal proceedings.

This arrest comes amid heightened vigilance by Indian authorities against fraudulent use of travel documents and illegal migration. It aligns with ongoing investigations into passport rackets in the region, including a crackdown on networks facilitating fake Indian documents for Bangladeshi nationals to travel abroad. Authorities have previously arrested suspects linked to such activities, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

From a broader perspective, this incident highlights the challenges immigration and border security agencies face at international airports. Fake or altered travel documents not only violate immigration laws but also pose risks related to security and identity verification. Given the interconnected nature of international travel, ensuring document authenticity is critical to maintaining the integrity of border controls.

At the same time, this raises questions about the drivers behind such illegal attempts. Factors such as seeking better economic opportunities, family reunification, and other personal reasons often motivate people to resort to illegal migration routes. In the case of Bangladesh and India, close geographic, cultural, and economic ties sometimes lead to complex migration flows, which can include both legal and illegal crossings.

This case also reflects the ongoing effort by Indian officials to strike a balance between humanitarian considerations and the enforcement of immigration laws. It is important for governments to ensure that while border security is maintained, migrants' rights are respected and humanitarian principles are upheld.

Public discussions on such cases often emphasize the importance of better regional cooperation to manage migration smoothly and prevent the misuse of identity documents. Many experts suggest enhanced bilateral and multilateral mechanisms between India, Bangladesh, and other countries to streamline legitimate migration processes and crack down on fraudulent practices.

In conclusion, the foiling of the attempt by a Bangladeshi man to fly to Germany using a fake Indian passport at Kolkata Airport underscores the persistent challenge of illegal migration and document fraud. It also reflects the rigorous checks and controls exercised by Indian immigration authorities to protect national security and uphold legal norms, while also pointing to the broader regional and socioeconomic contexts that influence migration patterns.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies