NIA Arrests Individual in Human Trafficking Case Linked to Fake Passports in West Bengal

Arrest in Human Trafficking Investigation

On July 27, in Kolkata/Durgapur, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a man in connection with a human trafficking case involving the use of fake passports to send workers to Middle Eastern countries. A senior official from the investigative agency provided this information.

The suspect has been identified as Golam Jama. He was taken into custody after a three-hour search and interrogation at his residence near the main gate in the New Steel Park area of Ward No. 13 in Durgapur. Authorities suspect that Jama was part of a gang that trafficked workers under the guise of providing contract-based employment abroad. Investigators are also looking into allegations that fake passports were arranged to facilitate the travel of individuals being sent overseas.

An NIA official stated, “This search operation was conducted as part of the investigation into a human trafficking gang. One suspect has been arrested, and incriminating materials related to the investigation have been seized. As the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to disclose further details at this stage.”

According to the official, Jama, originally from Chhattisgarh, settled in Durgapur about four years ago after marrying a local woman. He lived in the New Steel Park area with his wife and two sons. Investigators are also examining Jama's previous employment records. The NIA official noted that Jama had previously worked at a tire shop in Chhattisgarh.

Later, he became associated with a travel agency, where he allegedly made contact with an organized group involved in sending workers abroad. The agency is suspected of being a front for illegal human trafficking operations. Local residents reported that Jama had minimal interaction with neighbors.

It was noted that he frequently traveled to countries like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, although the purpose of these trips was not publicly known at the time. During the operation on Monday, NIA officials also questioned Jama's wife.