Authorities Arrest Bangladeshi Model in Kolkata for Fraudulent Documentation and Alleged Digital Marriage

Shanta Paul, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested in Kolkata this week on accusations of using fake documentation. Paul, who was involved in both modeling and as an airline crew member, was apprehended with the alleged forged documents. She entered India in 2023 from Barisal, Bangladesh, with a legitimate passport and later rented a Kolkata flat. To accomplish this, she submitted fraudulent identification, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and Voter ID. It has been reported that Shanta is digitally married to Sahik Mohammad Ashraf, a resident of Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, Paul purportedly used the forged documentation to jointly rent properties in Kolkata with Ashraf, a Merchant Navy employee.