Ex-beauty queen Shanta Paul accused of forging Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards; allegedly used them to rent flats and marry an Indian national
📰 Bangladeshi Model Held in Kolkata Over Fake Aadhaar and ID Documents
A Bangladeshi national, Shanta Paul, who previously gained fame as a model and airline crew member, has been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly using forged Indian documents to reside in the country illegally.
📌 Key Highlights of the Case
- Name: Shanta Paul
- Nationality: Bangladeshi (from Barisal)
- Entered India: 2023, using a valid Bangladeshi passport
- Alleged Charges: Forging Indian identity documents including Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, and ration card
- Marital Status: Married Shaik Mohammad Ashraf (Indian, from Andhra Pradesh)
- Current Status: In police custody until August 8
🏠 How She Settled in Kolkata
After arriving in India, Paul rented a flat in Kolkata’s Park Street, later relocating to Golf Green with her husband. She allegedly told the property dealer she wanted to live away from her family due to religious differences regarding her marriage.
To secure the rental agreement, she submitted fake Indian ID documents:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Ration card
💼 Professional Background: Model, Actress, Airline Crew
- Represented Bangladesh in the Indo-Bangla Beauty Pageant (2016)
- Crowned Miss Asia Global in 2019
- Acted in Tamil, Bengali, and signed for an Odia film
- Later worked for a Bangladeshi airline as a crew member
🛂 Forgery and Identity Theft Allegations
Police allege that with the help of a local agent, Shanta Paul:
- Forged multiple Indian identity documents
- Used them to co-rent properties with her husband, a merchant navy officer
- Retained her husband’s passport in her possession
A police officer told PTI:
“She created multiple fake Indian identity documents and misled property owners and authorities. Her marriage was even registered in Nadia district using forged details.”
🚨 Legal Proceedings Underway
Paul was arrested on Tuesday and remains in police custody until August 8. Authorities are now investigating the involvement of any local agents or officials in assisting with the document forgeries.
