Several cases of fake passports have surfaced in Uttar Pradesh, including in Gorakhpur and Deoria, where passports were allegedly obtained using forged documents. In some cases, minor changes were made to names, fathers’ names, dates of birth or addresses to obtain a second passport.
Some alleged agents and placement agencies involved in sending people abroad have been accused of being connected to networks that facilitate the preparation of fake documents. It is alleged that these agents take large sums of money from applicants, arrange forged documents and assist in obtaining passports on their basis.
In such cases, action often remains limited to the person in whose name the fake passport was prepared. Investigating who prepared the forged documents, at what stage assistance was provided in the application process, and what role the concerned agent or placement agency played remains a challenge in several cases.
Information has emerged that 78 cases related to passport fraud were registered in Gorakhpur between 2024 and August 2026. A large number of these cases are reportedly linked to passports allegedly obtained using forged documents.
In a prominent case, gangster Jobanjeet Singh alias Billa, a resident of Punjab, allegedly obtained a fake passport using an address in Lachhipur under the Gorakhnath police station area of Gorakhpur. He later travelled to Indonesia. After his arrest there, Gorakhpur Police succeeded in bringing him back to India.
According to Gorakhpur Police, information has also emerged that several wanted criminals are residing abroad. The use of fake identities and documents in such cases creates an additional challenge for investigating agencies.
A case involving five members of the same family obtaining second passports through alleged fraudulent means surfaced in the Ekauna police station area of Deoria. It is alleged that despite already having passports, minor changes were made to their names or fathers’ names, after which new documents were prepared and second passports obtained.
The matter was investigated following a complaint filed in April 2025. After the alleged fraud was confirmed during the investigation, cases were registered against all five people under the Passport Act and other sections. The investigation is still underway.
A case involving two passports issued to one person also came to light in the Gola police station area of Gorakhpur following a complaint. According to the allegation, Umesh Yadav had earlier obtained a passport in his own name. After he was caught in connection with an illegal activity abroad, his passport was cancelled.
He allegedly later obtained a second passport by changing his name and date of birth. His father’s name and address remained the same, while documents establishing a different identity were used. Following an anonymous complaint, a police investigation confirmed the alleged fraud and a case was registered in May 2026.
These cases have also raised questions about the effectiveness of police verification conducted before passports are issued. In several cases, the alleged fraud surfaced during investigations following complaints.
Effective action against fake passport networks requires more than registering cases against passport holders. Identifying people who prepare forged documents, intermediaries, agents and networks that assist them is also an important part of the investigation.
The use of forged documents alongside fraud involving young people in the name of overseas employment has also emerged as a security concern. Investigating the role of agents and strengthening document verification procedures are therefore part of the investigation into such cases.
