Mastermind Behind 19,000 Fake Aadhaar Cards: Identity Racket Thrived Under the Guise of a Public Service Centre

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled a massive Aadhaar identity fraud racket, arresting Pramod Kumar Nishad, alleged to be the mastermind behind nearly 19,000 fake or altered Aadhaar cards. The accused was apprehended near the Ranjanwa checkpost along the Indo-Nepal border while reportedly attempting to flee the country.

Educated Operator Exploited Digital Systems

Pramod Nishad, 28, a B.Sc graduate from Semari Malmala village in Bahraich, initially gained experience in government-linked digital services through training at a public service centre. He later established his own outlet, Nishad Computer Centre, and leveraged technical knowledge of government portals to exploit vulnerabilities in the Aadhaar enrolment and update systems.

Telegram Link Led to Fake Aadhaar Infrastructure

Investigators revealed that in late 2024, Pramod collaborated with Aqeel Saifi via Telegram, obtaining forged digital portals and login credentials for birth and residence certificates. This infrastructure enabled rapid manipulation of Aadhaar records, facilitating large-scale identity fraud.

Fake Certificates in Minutes; Minors Targeted

Pramod allegedly admitted that forged certificates could be generated in 1–2 minutes, with both new Aadhaar cards and modifications to existing IDs executed seamlessly. The network included minors aged 0–18, magnifying the long-term risks of identity abuse. He also provided remote access via AnyDesk to associates, allowing simultaneous operations from multiple locations.

₹45,000 Per ID; 19,000 Records Compromised

Each manipulated Aadhaar ID was reportedly sold for ₹45,000, with ₹35,000 remitted to Saifi. According to confessions, 18,000–19,000 Aadhaar records were forged or altered, predominantly near the Nepal border, raising concerns about cross-border misuse.

Major Seizures and Expanding Probe

During the arrest, STF seized:

• Laptops and desktops
• Biometric fingerprint and retina scanners
• Multiple mobile phones
• ATM cards and cheque books
• Other digital evidence

Officials confirmed forensic analysis of these devices will help trace beneficiaries, collaborators, and downstream misuse, including applications for bank accounts, SIM cards, passports, welfare benefits, and illegal border movement.

Serious National Security Implications

Senior STF officers warned that the case underscores how public service centres can be exploited for cyber-enabled identity crimes if oversight mechanisms fail. Misuse at this scale poses threats not only to financial integrity but also to citizenship, national security, and governance systems.

Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.