Kolkata police tighten passport checks to crack down on illegal immigrants and ID fraud; address checks mandatory
Times of India | 7 June 2025
Kolkata police tighten passport checks to crack down on illegal immigrants and ID fraud; address checks mandatory KOLKATA: Breaking the syndicates dealing with illegal immigration by identifying the gang heads and double-checking all received ID documents from the source to examine their authenticity were the two reasons behind the changes introduced in passport verification, said Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma on Thursday, stressing the aim was to ensure illegal immigrants could not stay on."We have re-evaluated the passport verification system. Our primary target is to identify syndicate members and individuals involved in such illegal activities. Wherever documents are getting used, we are scrutinising and verifying them right back to their source," Verma. "The accused at times use different addresses for different cases. We are cross-checking Aadhaar addresses with other ID documents." Verma was speaking to reporters after planting saplings at the Alipore Bodyguard Lines on World Environment Day on Thursday. He urged citizens to plant at least 10 trees as a "contribution to society".Going back to passport verification, Verma pointed out that no new passport would be issued nor any old one renewed without an address visit. Even cops asking passport applicants to visit police stations would face action, Verma said. The SOP says all documents of a passport applicant will be uploaded on the portal to root out discrepancy. Applicants can monitor document verification status through a link provided by police.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes, messages, and quotes !