Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Akola Emerges As Hub in Fake Passport Racket
There was a group of people making fake passports, mainly led by Sohbat Khan from Afghanistan.
They made fake documents like birth certificates to help other Afghans living in India illegally get Indian passports.
Akola, a city in Maharashtra, was an important place for the fake passport operation.
The group was caught, and the police are investigating.
The group would even steal passports from the mail, and at least three people got passports through the racket.
Akola, Maharashtra, is identified as a key hub in an Afghan-led fake passport racket.
The alleged kingpin, Sohbat Khan, an Afghan national, is in custody following his arrest by the ATS.
A religious place in Akola served as a meeting point for illegal Afghan residents involved in the racket.
The racket forged documents, including residential proof and birth certificates, to obtain Indian passports.
The ATS has evidence that at least three Afghans received Indian passports through the racket.
- Who
- Led by Afghan national Sohbat Khan, along with accomplices.
- What
- A fake passport racket providing Indian passports to Afghan nationals.
- When
- Recently busted, with key arrests made.
- Where
- Akola (Maharashtra), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
- Why
- To obtain Indian passports for Afghan nationals living illegally in India.
Perspective of the Authorities
Perspective of the Accused
Investigation
Perspective of the Authorities
Law enforcement is working to dismantle the criminal network and bring those involved to justice.
Perspective of the Accused
The focus is on investigating the scope and operations of the fake passport racket.
- Kingpin
- Sohbat Khan
- Nationality of Kingpin
- Afghan
- Arresting Agency
- Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
- Key Hub
- Akola, Maharashtra
- Passport Cost
- Rs 1.20 lakh (for one applicant)
- Number of Arrests
- Six