In a significant security breach, an Afghan national was apprehended at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh while attempting to board an international flight using a counterfeit Indian passport. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 2, 2026, has prompted a deeper investigation into a potential forgery and illegal immigration racket.
Fraud Uncovered at Immigration Counter
The accused, identified as Mohammad Nasir, presented himself as a resident of Guwahati, Assam, at the immigration check for IndiGo flight 6E-1418 bound for Abu Dhabi. However, vigilant officials discovered discrepancies during document verification. A critical check revealed that a look out circular (LOC) had been issued against him on the directions of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata.
Further scrutiny confirmed that the Indian passport he carried was fraudulently obtained. When questioned, Nasir could not provide any valid proof to substantiate the Assam address listed in the document. This failure raised immediate red flags and led to his detention.
Revealing a Trail of Assumed Identities
Subsequent investigation peeled back layers of deception. It was uncovered that the individual had originally entered India on October 10, 2019, under a completely different alias: Ismail Shinkai. Authorities also recovered an Afghan passport from his possession, confirming his true nationality.
Following the discovery, immigration authorities promptly informed the Airport Police Station in Mohali. A formal case was registered against Mohammad Nasir under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was immediately handed over to the police for a detailed probe.
Probing a Larger Network
The arrest has triggered a multi-pronged investigation. Police officials stated that information was shared with the District Control Room and the concerned magistrate. The accused was produced before a local court, which granted the police two days of custody for interrogation.
The primary focus of the investigation now is to unravel how the sophisticated forged documents were procured. Police suspect the possible involvement of a larger network specializing in document forgery and facilitating illegal immigration. Technical teams have been enlisted to trace digital footprints and identify other suspects linked to this case.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by border security agencies and underscores the importance of stringent document checks at international transit points.
