Ahemdabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Harikesh Patel, son of Gujarat Women Congress president Geetaben Patel, in connection with an alleged fake passport case. Patel, a resident of Ahmedabad, was arrested on September 12 and was subsequently sent to six days of remand by the court.
According to the ATS, Patel had surrendered his original Indian passport before a court in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Powerbank app. Investigators allege that after his anticipatory bail plea in the money laundering case was rejected, Patel approached the High Court and subsequently reported his original passport as lost.
The ATS has alleged that the loss complaint was false and that Patel used forged documents and incorrect information to obtain another passport. Investigators said he entered a false Agra address in Uttar Pradesh on his Aadhaar card and used documents based on that address to obtain a second passport from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Ghaziabad on July 26, 2024. The passport reportedly carried the number C0538007.
Officials further alleged that Patel used the second passport to travel to Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai via Bhutan before returning to India through Nepal. Investigators are examining his international travel and the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of the passport.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Passport Act, with further investigation underway. Authorities have also reportedly found several bank accounts allegedly opened using false details in Patel’s name.
The ATS said Patel had previously faced fraud-related cases in Ahmedabad, including matters registered at Naranpura and the Crime Branch. Investigators are also examining several companies registered in his name, some of which are alleged to be fictitious and linked to fraudulent activities.
Patel was arrested on September 12 and was granted bail by the court on September 13, according to the information provided.
