Chennai police have apprehended a 54-year-old Sri Lankan national for illegally residing in India and fraudulently obtaining a suite of crucial Indian identity documents. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about document fraud and immigration violations.
Details of the Arrest and Identity Fraud
The individual, identified as Mallikas Reji Rajendran, was residing in the Injambakkam Kuppam area of Chennai, where he worked as a watchman. Investigations revealed that Rajendran, a Sri Lankan Tamil, had overstayed his visa and had no legal authorization to remain in the country.
Despite his foreign nationality, police discovered he had managed to secure multiple Indian government-issued identity proofs. The documents in his possession included an Indian passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, and a voter ID card. This combination of documents would typically allow an individual to access a wide range of services and rights reserved for Indian citizens.
Personal Background and Police Case
Officers noted that Rajendran had married a woman from Ramanathapuram. His wife passed away in 2023, and the couple had three daughters. The circumstances under which he entered India and obtained the documents are a core part of the ongoing probe.
Following his arrest, a formal case has been registered against him. The charges are framed under sections 318(4) and 336(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections are applied alongside relevant clauses from the Immigration and Foreigners Act, specifically sections 12 and 22, which deal with violations of passport and visa rules, and overstaying.
Implications and Ongoing Vigilance
This case underscores the challenges authorities face in preventing document forgery and illegal immigration. The possession of foundational IDs like Aadhaar and a passport by a foreign national points to potential vulnerabilities in the document issuance process. Such fraud can have implications for national security, electoral integrity, and the allocation of state resources.
The Chennai police's action demonstrates continued vigilance in enforcing immigration laws. The investigation will likely focus on uncovering the network or methods used to acquire the fraudulent documents, aiming to prevent similar breaches in the future.
