70 Fake Passports, Same Witnesses: MP STF Uncovers Racket Using Buddhist Monastery Addresses

The Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) investigating an organised fake passport racket has detected around 70 passports allegedly obtained using different addresses across the state. Investigators have found repeated use of Buddhist monastery addresses and the same witnesses in several applications, raising questions about the wider network involved in the racket.

The STF has so far arrested six suspects, with the latest arrest being that of Gayaprasad Gautam on September 23. Officials said the investigation is continuing to establish the complete network behind the preparation and procurement of the passports. MP STF Uncovers Fake Passport Network; Around 60 Fake Passports, Including 40 from Bhopal Recovered, 2 Held.

Monastery Addresses Used for Multiple Passports

According to the STF, Buddhist monastery addresses were allegedly used repeatedly in passport applications in Bhopal, Betul, Chhindwara, Dabra and Pahurna. Investigators have identified around 40 cases linked to an address in Annanagar, Bhopal, 17 from Dabra and 11 from the Amla Buddhist monastery in Betul. Two more cases have been linked to Chhindwara-Pahurna, according to the investigation. Earlier reporting had also found that dozens of passports were allegedly issued using monastery addresses, including 39 linked to an address in Bhopal's Anna Nagar.

Same Witnesses Appear in Several Passport Applications

A key pattern identified by the STF involves the repeated use of the same witnesses. Investigators found that in around 50 of the 70 cases detected so far, three people — Gayaprasad Gautam, Gulab Rai and Riyal Choudhary alias Bhante Metanand — appeared as witnesses. Their mobile numbers were also found in several passport applications. The repeated use of witnesses and monastery addresses has emerged as an important lead in determining how the passports were processed. Fake Passport and Visa Racket Busted in Delhi By IGI Airport Police, 4 Held.

STF Probes Possible Role of Passport Officials

STF DIG Rahul Lodha said investigators were also examining the possible involvement of officers and employees associated with Passport Seva Kendra. According to the STF, some passports may have been prepared with the assistance of officials or employees. The role of those involved in processing the applications is therefore being investigated. The probe has also uncovered links among some of the accused. Investigators found that Gulab Rai had met Riyal Choudhary during camps in Amla, Betul, and later in Jhansi.

Six Suspects Arrested So Far

The six arrested suspects include Riyal Choudhary alias Bhante Metanand, Viplab Adhikari, Priyan Roy, Joy Choudhary, Naseem Akhtar and Gayaprasad Gautam. The arrests were made between August 25 and September 23 as the STF expanded its investigation into the suspected passport network. Gautam, the latest accused to be arrested, allegedly acted as a witness in multiple passport applications, according to investigators.

Investigation Expanded to Six States

The STF has now expanded the investigation beyond Madhya Pradesh. Teams are working across Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab to trace suspected members of the network and establish their links. Officials said around 75 accused have been identified so far, while searches and further investigation are continuing.

The STF is also examining whether forged documents, false residential credentials and procedural lapses were used systematically to obtain the passports. Earlier in the probe, investigators had also reported the alleged use of forged Bhopal Municipal Corporation birth certificates in passport applications.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 11:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).