Bangladeshi Model Shanta Pal Arrested in Kolkata with Fake Indian IDs

Kolkata police have arrested Bangladeshi model-actress Shanta Pal for allegedly residing in India using forged identity documents, including two Aadhaar cards, a voter ID card, and a ration card. The arrest, made on July 30, 2025, has sparked significant concern among law enforcement agencies about potential loopholes in the issuance and verification of Indian identification documents.
The 28-year-old, originally from Barisal, Bangladesh, had been living in various parts of Kolkata, including Park Street, Jadavpur, and Bikramgarh, since early 2023. During a raid conducted by officers of the Special Branch and local police, several Indian documents were seized from her possession. Investigators also recovered her Bangladeshi passport, a secondary school examination admit card, and an employee identification card from her time working as a cabin crew member with Regent Airways.
Shanta Pal, who is said to have won the Miss Asia Global Bangladesh title and gained popularity as a vlogger and social media influencer, had maintained a visible online presence in India. Her content often featured food, fashion, and lifestyle segments, helping her establish a significant following. According to investigators, she was also operating a car rental and app-based cab service business in Kolkata, presenting herself as an Indian citizen.
Authorities are probing how she obtained the fake documents and are investigating possible links to document-forging rackets. Both Aadhaar cards found in her possession had different addresses—one listed a location in Kolkata, and the other in Burdwan. The authenticity of the documents is currently under review by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Election Commission, and the state’s food department.
Preliminary questioning has revealed inconsistencies in her statements regarding how and where she obtained the forged documents. Her parents, who were residing with her in Kolkata, and her husband—reportedly based in Andhra Pradesh—are also under scrutiny.

Shanta Pal was produced in a local court and remanded to police custody until August 8. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether she acted alone or was part of a larger network facilitating illegal migration and identity fraud.
The case has raised alarms about the possible exploitation of Indian administrative loopholes by foreign nationals. Senior officials have stated that further arrests may follow if any evidence points to local collusion in the issuance of fake documents.
Sources:
Times of India, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times