CID investigates alleged identity fraud by two Indian nationals

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a reported case of alleged irregular acquisition of Ghanaian identity documents by two Indian nationals.

A source at the CID confirmed to the Ghana News Agency that the Department had received a petition from Mr Amardeep Singh Hari, Chairman of IPMC Ghana, concerning Ms Niharika Handa and her son, Mr Punar Vasu Handa.

According to the source, investigators have written to the Office of the Registrar of Companies, the Passport Office, and the National Identification Authority (NIA) to verify the authenticity of the documents and personal details submitted by the two individuals.

"The letters seek to ascertain the identities and other particulars of the persons involved to guide the ongoing investigations," the source stated, adding that the Department was awaiting responses from the relevant institutions before determining the next line of action.

The two Indian nationals are alleged to have used inconsistent personal information in the acquisition of Ghanaian passports and national identification documents, contrary to the provisions of Ghana's nationality and immigration laws.

Their legal representatives, however, have denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that any discrepancies in the records may have been due to administrative or clerical errors.

Earlier reports suggested that Ms Handa obtained a Ghanaian passport in July 2022, while already holding an Indian passport with differing biographical details. Documents reviewed by an investigative journalist reportedly indicated that her date of birth in the Indian passport was September 14, 1961, while that on the Ghanaian passport appeared as September 14, 1965.

Her lawyers have explained that this difference arose from an unintentional documentation error.

The petition further claims that Ms Handa was issued a Ghana Card on July 8, 2022, and that the identity documents had been used in various transactions, including travel and business registration. The allegations are yet to be independently verified.

Mr Hari, the petitioner, has also raised concerns about his business dealings with Ms Handa, which form part of the ongoing inquiry.

Mr Punar Vasu Handa is said to have presented inconsistent details on his date of birth while applying for a Ghanaian passport. The reported variation shows February 7, 1985, in his Indian records and December 7, 1985, in the Ghanaian application.

The CID source emphasised that the Police Service was committed to establishing the facts and following due process in handling the case.

Meanwhile, the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior has also commenced a separate investigation following a related petition.

An official of the Ministry told the Ghana News Agency that all parties involved would be given a fair opportunity to present their case, adding that the process of acquiring Ghanaian citizenship was rigorous to ensure that only eligible applicants were approved.

The official noted that upon completion of the investigations, the appropriate legal procedures would be followed in accordance with the laws of Ghana.

The public has been reminded to adhere strictly to Ghana's nationality and immigration regulations, as the use of inaccurate or falsified information in official documentation constitutes a serious offence under the laws of the country.