NIA raids Durgapur residence in suspected human trafficking and fake passport probe
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday carried out a search at the residence of a man in Durgapur’s New Steel Park area as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged human trafficking and fake passport network.
The raid began around 8 a.m., when a team of NIA officers, accompanied by a large contingent of police personnel, arrived at the residence of Golam Jama. According to officials, the search was conducted in connection with allegations of human trafficking and the use of forged passports to send people abroad.
The NIA team, which reportedly included a woman officer, searched the premises while security personnel cordoned off the area. The operation drew the attention of local residents, many of whom said they were initially unaware that the visiting officials were from the NIA.
Neighbours said Golam had been living in the area for about three years with his wife and two children in a rented house. They described him as someone who kept to himself and worked at a tyre repair shop in Andal.
Residents also claimed that Golam had contacts in the Middle East and Malaysia, although the nature of those connections remains under investigation.
According to the NIA, Golam is suspected of being linked to a fake passport racket that allegedly lured people with promises of employment abroad. Investigators allege that forged passports were used to facilitate travel to Middle Eastern countries, where the recruits were allegedly drawn into unlawful activities. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been proven in court.
Officials said the investigation gained momentum after two suspects were arrested in Chhattisgarh in connection with the same case. During questioning, investigators allegedly obtained information pointing to Golam’s involvement, following which he was placed under surveillance before Monday’s search operation.
The NIA has not yet announced any arrests following the raid in Durgapur. The investigation is continuing to determine the extent of the alleged trafficking and fake passport network and whether additional individuals were involved.