Security Alert Kolkata Fake Aadhaar suspect arrested near Army headquarters in high-security zone
Kolkata, July 12, 2025 | Northeast Press
In a significant security breach, a Bangladeshi national has been apprehended near the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army at Fort William in Kolkata, after being observed acting suspiciously in the vicinity for several days. The arrest has sparked serious concerns over border security, illegal immigration, and the misuse of Indian identity documents.
Army Surveillance Triggers Investigation
The incident unfolded when Army surveillance teams monitoring CCTV footage noticed an unfamiliar individual repeatedly loitering in and around the high-security zone of Fort William. The man’s presence over multiple days raised red flags, prompting Army personnel to initiate a covert observation and subsequently detain him for questioning.
The suspect was identified as Azim Sheikh, a native of Narail district in Khulna Division, Bangladesh. Upon being confronted by the Army, Sheikh failed to provide a convincing explanation for his prolonged presence near one of the most sensitive military establishments in eastern India.
Fake Aadhaar Cards Recovered, Police Notified
During a routine search, two Aadhaar cards were found in Sheikh’s possession, both allegedly fake. One card listed him with a mother who was only six years older than him, a glaring anomaly that further deepened suspicions. The documents have been sent for forensic examination to verify their authenticity.
Following standard protocol, the Army handed Sheikh over to the Hastings Police Station, which is responsible for law enforcement in the Fort William area. During sustained interrogation, Sheikh reportedly confessed that he had illegally crossed into India nearly two years ago.
Illegal Entry and Undocumented Family Movement
Further police investigation revealed that after entering India illegally, Sheikh settled in the Garden Reach area of Kolkata, where he works as a labourer. He also disclosed that he had facilitated the illegal entry of his mother into India a few months after his own arrival.
However, despite his claims, authorities have not yet been able to locate his mother, who is believed to be residing somewhere in the city. Police are now conducting a thorough search in suspected areas and have issued alerts across relevant law enforcement units.
Serious Security and Legal Implications
The incident has raised critical questions about gaps in border management, the forgery of Indian identity documents, and potential threats to national security, especially given Sheikh’s proximity to the Army’s Eastern Command base.
Fort William is a high-security military zone and houses several strategic offices and operational units. The presence of a foreign national with fake Aadhaar cards near this restricted area has prompted heightened vigilance across security agencies.
A senior official from the Kolkata Police Special Branch stated,
“The matter is being taken very seriously. Any foreign national possessing forged documents and loitering around critical military installations poses a potential threat and warrants full investigation.”
Aadhaar Fraud: A Growing Concern
This case has once again drawn attention to the ease with which illegal migrants are able to acquire forged Aadhaar cards in India. The Aadhaar system, despite its biometric base, has seen increasing cases of fraudulent issuance in recent years, often used by infiltrators to access government services or settle undetected.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has previously acknowledged these vulnerabilities and has called for stronger verification processes at local levels.
Next Steps: Legal Proceedings and Security Audit
Azim Sheikh is currently in police custody and is likely to be charged under multiple sections of the Foreigners Act, Passport Act, and sections of the Indian Penal Code related to forgery, impersonation, and illegal entry. Investigations are underway to determine how he obtained the fake Aadhaar cards and whether a larger network is involved.
Meanwhile, security personnel have initiated a review of surveillance protocols around Fort William and similar high-security zones in Kolkata.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
The arrest of a Bangladeshi national with forged identity documents near a major Army base is a wake-up call for authorities across the eastern region. It underscores the need for stricter border controls, better document verification, and coordinated intelligence-sharing among state and central agencies.
As Kolkata continues to evolve as an urban hub with strategic importance, ensuring the security of sensitive installations and curbing illegal immigration and document fraud must become top priorities.
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