Siliguri, 16th June: The Special Operation Group (SOG) of police has exposed a fake Aadhaar Centre operating inside a photo studio and stationery shop in the Fakdaibari Panchanan Road area under the Ashighar Outpost. Seven people, including the shop owner and four agents, have been arrested, while two women have been detained for preliminary questioning.
During the raid, police recovered numerous forged documents including fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and voter ID cards. Several electronic devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and fingerprint scanners were also seized.
According to reports, Indian identity cards were being illegally created at the centre for individuals from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Customers were being charged hefty sums, ₹17,000 for an Aadhaar card, ₹20,000-₹25,000 for a voter ID, and ₹10,000-₹15,000 for a PAN card, with higher prices for full packages.
Reportedly, SOG had been tracking the racket for nearly two months. Acting on a tip-off, officers posed as customers and visited the centre, where they were quoted ₹35,000 for a complete identity package. After paying ₹20,000 in advance and being called for fingerprinting, the team raided the shop and apprehended the accused red-handed on Monday.
All seven accused will be produced in Jalpaiguri Court on Tuesday.