PANAJI
In what could have serious implications for Goa’s security, the authorities have scant records of quite a few non-Indians residing in the State with fake documents.
The escape of three Bangladeshi convicts Mohammad Havlader, Mohammad Hilal and Mohammad Marida, amidst escalating tensions in their homeland, has triggered concerns about the overall security, especially as they are still at large.
A senior IPS officer, speaking to The Goan revealed that tenant verification drives have often uncovered numerous cases where persons resembling Indian nationals but actually from neighbouring countries were found holding Aadhaar cards with Indian addresses.
Even when police suspect the authenticity of these identities, they face an uphill battle. “The cross-verification efforts are foiled because the Unique Identification Authority of India refuses to share details even if it is sought for the purpose of investigation,” the officer explained.
“Many tenants don't comply with the verification process. During random checks, some of them, who appear to be from States like Bengal or Tamil Nadu, are in fact foreign nationals. Yet, they show Aadhaar cards with Indian addresses, claiming they have arrived in Goa only a few days back. We have no choice but to take their word for it,” the officer added.
Although an Aadhaar card does not confirm citizenship, its presence coupled with an Indian address, often leads authorities to assume these individuals are Indian. “There’s no immediate way to verify on the spot whether these documents are genuine or fraudulently obtained,” he said.
Over two years ago, the Anti-Terrorism Squad and North Goa police arrested 20 Bangladeshis living in Goa with forged documents. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured their deportation but there’s little heard about the case since then. Most of those arrested were involved in illegal scrapyard businesses with some having lived in Goa for four to five years under false identities.
The recent escape of the three Bangladeshis has sounded alarm bells for Goa Police, particularly with the 78th Independence Day celebrations tomorrow. The local police have conceded efforts to locate them have so far been unsuccessful, despite teams dispatched to neighbouring States.
