A Class 7 Dropout Arrested for Allegedly Forging Aadhaar, PAN Cards in Hyderabad
The Freedom Press
Hyderabad Oct 30: A 36-year-old man, who allegedly ran an illegal identity document forgery operation from his Xerox centre, has been arrested by the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force for allegedly tampering with Aadhaar and PAN cards for payments ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000.
The accused, identified as Ch. Mahadev, a Class 7 dropout, operated Kavitha A to Z Online Services, a Xerox centre in Budwel. According to police, he allegedly used online software to modify photographs, dates of birth, names and addresses on identity documents. The alterations were reportedly carried out from his residence in Sriram Colony, Jalpally.
Police said Mahadev allegedly turned to the illegal activity as his earnings from the Xerox business were insufficient to support his family. He reportedly charged Rs. 300 for changing the date of birth on an Aadhaar card, while comprehensive alterations involving multiple details cost between Rs. 700 and Rs. 1,000.
Investigators said the altered documents were allegedly used by customers to apply for private jobs in factories around Hyderabad, obtain mobile phone SIM cards and avail themselves of government welfare schemes.
Acting on a tip-off, the Shamshabad Zone Task Force, along with Pahadishareef police, apprehended the accused. Police seized 60 fake or altered Aadhaar cards, two PAN cards, a laptop, printer, lamination machine, mobile phone and Rs. 5,000 in cash.
