Mangalore: Cop accused of misusing passport applicant's documents to obtain SIM card

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 2: In a shocking revelation, a policeman of Uppinangady allegedly misused a man's documents submitted for passport verification to obtain a SIM card from a mobile phone shop for personal use.

The incident came to light after Uppinangady resident Shabeer filed a complaint with the IGP (western range) on Saturday February 1, alleging that the documents  he had submitted at Uppinangady police station for passport verfication were misused by a policeman on duty there.

Shabeer, a resident near Uppinangady Math, had submitted his application at the passport office in Mangalore. His documents were forwarded to Uppinangady police station for verification. The police asked him to submit three mugshot photographs and a copy of his ration card. Two witnesses signed the documents.

"I then came to know that my photograph and a copy of my ration card were submitted at a mobile phone shop to obtain a SIM card," said Shabeer in his complaint.

Shabeer said that on further investigating the matter, it came to light that a policeman by name Laxmeesha of Uppinangady station, who had an Airtel SIM card, had allegedly used Shabeer's photographs and ration card copy to obtain Idea SIM card from Balaji mobile shop.

"A thorough and unbiased investigation must be initiated against the policeman and the owner of the mobile shop," Shabeer urged the IGP.

Following the incident, the locals in Uppinangady expressed fears that their documents too might be misused by police and government bodies. They met the IGP and demanded a high-level probe into the matter, and warned of a protest if no action is taken.

It is also alleged that higher police officials in Uppinangady refused to file a complaint against the policeman, after which the locals and Shabeer approached the IGP. The IGP accepted their complaint and assured them of initiating a probe.