Class 7 dropout's ID forgery racket busted in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, police have apprehended a 36-year-old man named Mahadev, who allegedly ran an identity document forgery operation from his online services center. Mahadev, who has a Class 7 education, is accused of altering Aadhaar and PAN cards for fees between Rs 300 and Rs 1,000. He utilized software to change customer details, including photographs, names, dates of birth, and addresses, from his residence.

Investigators revealed that the forged documents were allegedly used by customers for various illicit purposes, such as securing employment in private factories, obtaining mobile SIM cards, and accessing government benefits. The arrest occurred after a tip-off, leading a joint police task force to raid Mahadev's premises. Authorities seized 60 fake Aadhaar cards, two PAN cards, a laptop, printer, lamination machine, and cash.

Mahadev reportedly confessed that financial struggles, stemming from insufficient earnings from his Xerox business, motivated him to engage in document forgery. He has been transferred to the local police for further investigation. Authorities are now focused on identifying and apprehending customers who obtained and utilized the fraudulent identification documents.