Afghan National Arrested From Surat: In a major breakthrough that has raised serious questions over national security and identity fraud, the Surat Crime Branch has arrested an Afghan national who allegedly secured an Indian passport using fabricated documents. The accused has been identified as Mohammad Amir Javed Khan, a resident of Kabul, Afghanistan, who had been living in the Indian city of Surat for several years while posing as an Indian citizen.
The investigation reveals that the Afghan national had obtained not only an Indian passport but also multiple sensitive government documents, including an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, and a voter identification card — all allegedly based on a fake birth certificate. This elaborate operation reportedly enabled him to travel internationally and operate a textile business across multiple states in India.
The case has triggered massive concern among security officials, especially because it highlights how easily fraudulent identities can be used to bypass governmental verification systems.
Arrival in India and First Identity Registration
According to Crime Branch officials, Mohammad Amir Javed Khan entered India in 2018 on a one-year visitor visa. Upon arrival, he obtained a UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) identity card, which allowed him temporary stay in the country. He initially lived in New Delhi, and after a brief period, relocated to Surat, Gujarat.
Police sources state that Amir’s initial purpose for coming to India was unclear, but during his stay he developed plans to remain permanently in the country and build a large-scale textile business.
Collaboration With Associate in Maharashtra to Forge Documents
The investigation suggests that Amir did not act alone — the entire falsification plan was executed in collaboration with one of his associates based in Jalna, Maharashtra. The friend, identified only as Aga Jan (currently absconding), allegedly helped Amir build a complete false Indian identity.
Together, they created a set of documents claiming that Amir was born on 4 June 1983 in Jalna, Maharashtra. Based on this fabricated Indian birthplace, a fake birth certificate was issued from the Municipal Corporation office in Jalna.
Using this certificate, Amir proceeded to apply for and successfully obtain:
- Indian Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter Identity Card
The most shocking revelation, police said, was that Amir did not change his original Afghan name while forging his identity, and yet the Indian documents were issued without detection.
Running a Multi-State Textile Business Under False Indian Identity
Once equipped with Indian identity documents, Amir began operating a textile marketing business.
According to Crime Branch reports, he regularly travelled for business to:
- Delhi
- Maharashtra
- Surat
He stayed in multiple hotels while dealing with textile manufacturers and traders. Business credibility came easily because he held a valid Indian passport and common national ID cards.
Investigators confirm that Amir used the fake Indian passport to travel abroad at least three times —
Two trips to the UAE
One trip from UAE to Afghanistan
These international travels further prove that the fake passport was successfully used at airports without raising suspicion.
The Crime Comes to Light-Crackdown by Surat Crime Branch
The breakthrough in the case came after labour department officials flagged inconsistencies in Amir’s documentation. The report was forwarded to the Crime Branch, which launched a detailed investigation.
After verification, it was confirmed that:
- The birth certificate was fake
- The passport was issued based on falsified information
- Other government documents were obtained using the same forged records
The Crime Branch subsequently detained Amir from Jahangirpura, Surat, where he resided in the Malabar Plus building.
The FIR has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Passport Act, 1967, including:
- Forgery
- Cheating
- Identity fraud
- Creation and usage of false government documents
Police Investigating Intent Behind His Stay in India
Although Amir claims that he operated only a textile business, authorities are investigating whether:
- He had any additional motives behind acquiring permanent Indian identity
- He was involved in any financial or cross-border activities
- He had connections with any foreign networks or organisations
Speaking about the seriousness of the case, Surat Crime Branch DCP Bhavesh Rozia stated:
“The accused obtained crucial Indian government documents and a passport through fabricated documents and used them for international travel. This represents a major security threat. Investigation is ongoing to find the full extent of the identity fraud and everyone involved.”
Police are now tracing Aga Jan, the associate from Maharashtra who allegedly helped Amir secure the forged documents. Investigators believe he may have links to a wider network specialising in document fabrication.
Timeline of the Accused as Revealed by Police
| Year / Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Before 2018 | Lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, worked in agriculture |
| 2018 | Entered India on a visitor visa |
| 2018 onwards | Obtained UNHCR refugee card |
| Later | Shifted to Surat, Gujarat |
| Subsequently | Created fake birth certificate with friend from Maharashtra |
| After forging docs | Received Aadhaar, PAN, voter card and Indian passport |
| Later years | Traveled to UAE twice and to Afghanistan once |
| Recent months | Ran textile marketing business in hotels |
| Feb 2025 | Arrested by Crime Branch |
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Bigger Security Questions Raised
The case has led authorities to review loopholes that allowed an Afghan national to:
- Forge an Indian identity
- Secure multiple government documents
- Travel internationally
- Carry out business operations without detection for years
With security agencies on alert, the Crime Branch is also verifying whether:
- Any additional foreign nationals used similar networks
- A larger fake-document racket is active across cities
- These forged identities have been used for illegal money transfers or cross-border trade
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Conclusion: Afghan National Arrested From Surat
The arrest of an Afghan national from Surat, who successfully obtained an Indian passport using fake documents, has become one of the most significant identity-fraud cases reported in recent months. The investigation is ongoing and law enforcement agencies are determined to expose every individual involved in helping Amir construct a completely forged Indian identity.
As scrutiny deepens, the case is expected to reveal more information about the vulnerabilities within the national documentation system and how such loopholes can potentially be exploited for illegal activities.
