Karnataka police constable arrested for forging passport verification records
Mangaluru: A police constable attached to the Vitla Police Station has been arrested for allegedly forging documents and manipulating passport verification records to obtain a clearance certificate from the authorities.
Police said on Tuesday that a person identified as Shakti Das, who claimed to be residing within the jurisdiction of the Vitla Police Station, first applied for a passport in February 2025.
During police verification, it was found that the address mentioned in the application did not match official records, following which the application was not recommended.
In June 2025, Shakti Das reportedly submitted a second passport application. Police alleged that Pradeep, a staff member at the Vitla Police Station, processed the reapplication without informing the concerned beat constable, Sabu Mirji, who was responsible for verifying the applicant’s address.
Pradeep allegedly prepared a verification report in the name of the beat constable, forged his signature, secured approval from senior officers, and forwarded the report. He is also accused of destroying verification-related documents to conceal the irregularities.
As per the report, the matter came to light on December 19 during a scrutiny of records. Police said the acts amounted to criminal breach of trust, as a crucial identity document issued by the Central government was fraudulently obtained.
Police further said that Shakti Das claims to hail from West Bengal, and his address is currently being verified.
Based on the findings, Vitla Police have registered a case against Pradeep and passport holder Shakti Das under Sections 336, 337, 316(5), and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Pradeep has been arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway, police said.
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Northern Railway adds 40 runs of Delhi–Katra special train for summer rush
Jammu (PTI): Amid an anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic during the summer vacation period, the Northern Railway’s Jammu Division on Thursday announced 40 additional runs of the special train between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, an official said.
Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the extension from April 15 to July 16 has been approved in view of the train’s immense popularity and the 100 per cent occupancy recorded during its earlier runs.
He said the Train No 04081 (New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) will operate from April 15 to July 15, completing a total of 40 runs, while Train No 04082 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi) will run from April 16 to July 16, also undertaking 40 additional runs during the period.
"This service has proven to be an affordable and convenient option not only for devotees travelling to Katra but also for tourists heading to Kashmir and passengers boarding at intermediate stations along the route,” the official said.
Regarding the timings and stoppages of the special train, he said the Train No 04081 will depart from New Delhi at 11.45 pm and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 12 pm the following day.
The Train No 04082 will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 9 pm and arrive at New Delhi at 10 am the following morning, he said.
During its journey, the special train will halt in both directions at Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu, and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan railway stations, he said.
He said the special train will comprise 21 coaches and is expected to significantly enhance passengers’ chances of securing confirmed tickets.
