Forgery – Kerala Police Uncover Fake Bank Account Network Linked to Drug Probe

Forgery –  Kerala Police have uncovered an alleged network involved in creating forged identity documents and opening fraudulent bank accounts that investigators believe were used for drug trafficking and other financial crimes. The breakthrough came during an ongoing investigation under Operation Toofan, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Bengaluru.

Police identified the arrested men as 39-year-old Abdul Rahman from Mogral in Kasaragod district and 41-year-old KM Rishad from Palluruthy in Ernakulam. The arrests were carried out by a special team headed by Thalassery Assistant Superintendent of Police Dr M. Nandagopan. During searches, officers recovered more than 100 Aadhaar and PAN cards, forged certificates, mobile phones, and several official-looking seals believed to have been used in preparing fake documents.

Investigation Expanded After Earlier Drug Arrest

The investigation gathered pace after the recent arrest of Mujithab, also known as Thabu, a 28-year-old resident of Chirakkara in Thalassery. He had been wanted in connection with an MDMA case and was located while reportedly hiding in Bengaluru. His arrest was made through a joint operation involving the Kannur and Thalassery DANSAF units along with the Thalassery ASP squad.

According to investigators, details collected during Mujithab’s interrogation led officers to suspicious banking transactions. Police found that one of the accounts allegedly used by him had been opened in the name of a deceased resident of Mysuru, raising concerns about the misuse of stolen or fabricated identities.

Fake Documents Allegedly Used to Open Accounts

Officials believe the accused helped create bank accounts using forged documents and the identities of vulnerable individuals, including people living on the streets. Investigators suspect Abdul Rahman and Rishad arranged identity papers and other documentation required to establish these accounts, which were later allegedly used for illegal financial transactions linked to narcotics operations.

ASP Dr M. Nandagopan said investigators are examining whether additional individuals were involved in the operation and are tracing the financial transactions carried out through the suspected accounts. Police also believe the arrested men may have been working as part of a wider organised network rather than acting independently.

The probe into the larger drug syndicate began after officers seized 0.86 grams of MDMA in New Mahe last month. Further inquiries into a separate seizure of 185 grams of MDMA from Chirakkara in Thalassery on June 11 eventually led investigators to Mujithab, who has been identified as one of the key accused in the narcotics case.

Kerala High Court Grants Bail in ED Attack Case

In a separate development, the Kerala High Court granted bail to nine CPI(M) workers accused of attacking Enforcement Directorate officials following a search operation near the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Justice Kauser Edappagath observed that although the allegations were serious and deserving of condemnation, continued custody was not justified because the investigation was nearing completion and none of the accused had previous criminal records. The court also noted that even after 67 days, investigators had not recovered the alleged weapon used during the incident.

Arguments Presented Before the Court

The Enforcement Directorate opposed the bail petitions, arguing that the assault was allegedly planned to obstruct officials and interfere with an ongoing investigation. The agency maintained that the attack was intended to discourage officers from carrying out their official responsibilities.

Defence lawyers, however, contended that the arrests were not made in accordance with proper legal procedures. They further argued that the charge of attempted murder under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita had been invoked primarily on the basis of media footage without sufficient physical evidence.

The case relates to an incident on May 27, when ED officials completed an eight-hour search at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic investigation involving his daughter, Veena Thaikkandiyil. As officials departed, a group allegedly attacked the convoy with stones, bricks and metal rods, causing damage to vehicles and injuries to officers and security personnel.

The nine petitioners had approached the High Court after their earlier bail requests were rejected twice by the Thiruvananthapuram District and Sessions Court.