Man Living as Transgender in Bhopal for Years Identified as Bangladeshi National

NDC DESK

Bhopal:
In a case that has raised serious concerns about illegal immigration and identity fraud, police in Bhopal have detained a foreign national who had been living under a false identity for nearly a decade. The individual, known locally as “Neha,” was revealed to be Abdul Kalam, a Bangladeshi citizen who had assumed a transgender identity while residing in India.

According to officials, Kalam entered India as a child and spent over 20 years in Mumbai before relocating to the Budhwara area of Bhopal. There, he integrated into the local transgender community and managed to obtain a range of official documents—including an Aadhaar card, ration card, and passport—through allegedly forged means and the help of local agents.

Authorities believe Kalam even travelled internationally using the false Indian identity. He reportedly changed residences several times within the city, always under the name Neha, and was widely accepted by the community. Medical examinations are currently underway to determine whether Kalam is biologically transgender or had used the identity to mask his true origins.

Two local individuals suspected of helping Kalam obtain fake documents are currently being questioned. Investigators believe the case may be linked to a broader network involved in forging identities and facilitating illegal migration. Data from Kalam’s mobile phone, including call logs and messaging records, is being examined for further leads.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shalini Dixit, stated, “He had been staying in Bhopal for approximately 8 to 10 years and had previously lived in Maharashtra. We received a tip-off, which led us to verify his identity. During this time, he also reportedly made trips to Bangladesh. We are awaiting confirmation from the relevant agencies.”

Authorities are also looking into Kalam’s activities while he lived in Maharashtra, where he is believed to have been involved in the transgender community. Investigators are working to determine whether others may have knowingly or unknowingly assisted him in maintaining the false identity.

While deportation proceedings are underway, officials have said a thorough investigation will be conducted first to understand the full scope of the case. There are growing concerns that this may not be an isolated incident but part of a more extensive operation facilitating unlawful cross-border movement and document fraud.

The incident has prompted both state and central agencies to intensify their probe into the matter, with a focus on possible security implications and systemic failures that allowed a foreign national to remain undetected for so long.