In a shocking case of identity fraud, Riya Barde, a Bangladeshi pornstar also known as Arohi Barde, has been arrested for allegedly using a fake Indian passport to reside in India. The Hill Line Police in Ulhasnagar, located about 50 km from Mumbai, took Riya Barde into custody after a tip-off about a Bangladeshi family illegally living in Ambernath, Nevali A, using forged documents.
Fake Identity Uncovered
Authorities launched an investigation following the tip-off, which led to the discovery of the fraudulent activities. According to the police, an Amravati resident had forged documents for the pornstar and three of her associates to facilitate their illegal stay in India. The Hill Line Police swiftly registered a case against Riya Barde and four other individuals under Section 14(A) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
A police officer involved in the investigation stated, “We received credible information about the use of fake documents by the family and acted promptly. The documents were forged to allow the accused to remain in the country under false pretenses.”
Search for Associates Continues
While Riya Barde is currently in custody, a search is underway for the four other individuals linked to the case. Their whereabouts remain unknown, but the authorities are determined to bring them to justice. “Efforts are being made to locate the remaining suspects involved in the forgery and illegal stay,” said the police source.
Reports suggest that Riya’s parents are currently residing in Qatar, raising questions about potential international connections in the case.
Similar Cases in the Region
This is not the first time such a case has surfaced in Maharashtra. Earlier this year, a 23-year-old woman from Thane was arrested for allegedly traveling to Pakistan using a fake passport and visa obtained through forged documents. The woman, identified as Nagma Noor Maksood Ali, also known as Sanam Khan, had reportedly changed her name and used fraudulent identity documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, for her passport application. The police have also charged an unidentified man for assisting her in acquiring these fake documents.
Legal Action Underway
The case against Riya Barde and her associates is now progressing under the Foreigners Act, which deals with unlawful residency and forgery of identity documents. The police are focusing their efforts on apprehending the remaining individuals involved and investigating the full extent of the fraudulent activities.
As the authorities continue to crack down on cases of passport forgery and identity fraud, it remains crucial for the legal system to address these growing concerns, particularly in the face of increasing instances of cross-border illegalities.
