The Karnataka High Court on Monday (1 June) refused to interfere with criminal proceedings against a West Bengal native accused of preparing fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and related documents for Bangladeshi nationals in Bengaluru. The Court made strong oral observations during the hearing but ultimately permitted the accused to withdraw his petition and pursue bail before the trial court.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a police raid conducted in November 2024 at a cyber centre in Heelalige on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Investigators alleged that the centre's operator, Arnab Mondal, was involved in generating forged identity documents and rental agreements for Bangladeshi nationals.
According to the prosecution, several items were seized during the raid, including computers, mobile phones, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks and rental agreements. A chargesheet was subsequently filed.
Mondal was booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to forgery and use of forged documents, along with sections of the Aadhaar Act, Foreigners Act and Passport Act.
Hearing the matter, Justice M. Nagaprasanna expressed concern over allegations involving fake identity documents.
The judge remarked,
“You are the one who is destroying everything by giving fake Aadhaar cards to persons who come from other countries. They are not Indians, and you are giving them fake Aadhaar cards.”
The Court further observed that identity documents form the basis for several legal rights and benefits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of such systems.
When the petitioner's counsel argued that certain provisions may not apply and highlighted the period already spent in custody, the Court indicated that the proper remedy would be to seek bail rather than quashing of the case.
As the hearing progressed, counsel for the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the plea and approach the trial court for bail.
Recording the request, Justice Nagaprasanna allowed the withdrawal and disposed of the petition, reserving liberty to the petitioner to seek appropriate relief before the trial court.
Case Details
Case Title: Arnab Mondal v. State of Karnataka & Others
Case Number: CRL.P. No. 15929/2025
Judge: Justice M. Nagaprasanna
Decision Date: June 1, 2026
