Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Dec 5: The investigation headed by the local deputy superintendent of police, P Tamban, has brought out some interesting details of the passport scam in the district. Even as the probe is continuing, the depth of the scandal has also been increasing.

So far, addresses given in 101 passports have been found to be wrong. In most of these passports, addresses of an area in Ajanur have been mentioned. 50 cases have now been registered by Hosdurg police personnel in this connection. About 25 cases had been registered last week.  Addresses mentioned in these 101 passports fall within the jurisdiction of Bekal, Ambalattara, and Hosdurg police stations.

The policemen began investigation on a tip off from the intelligence department about the prevalence of fake passports racket.  A number of passports obtained by giving addresses in Kolavayal, Katadi etc since 2008 have been found to be fake. It is said that these passports were issued with the connivance of travel agencies, policemen, and officials at the passport offices. Rumours say lacs of rupees were spent by the concerned to get the nod of senior officials for these passports.

Already, an assistant sub-inspector and two police constables attached to Hosdurg police station in the district have been suspended. In all the 101 passports now unearthed, addresses furnished are incomplete and incorrect, it is gathered. In view of the sheer scale of the scam, more heads may roll in the days to come, it is expected.