Bhopal: In a case that could unravel an organised network of illegal immigration and identity fraud, Bhopal Police have detained a Bangladeshi national who had been living in the city for nearly a decade under a false identity, as a transgender woman named Neha, media reports said.

The man, identified as Abdul Kalam, reportedly entered India illegally at the age of 10 and spent around 20 years in Mumbai before settling in the Budhwara locality of Bhopal, according to an NDTV report.

It is alleged that he adopted a transgender identity and integrated into the hijra community, acquiring critical Indian documents—including Aadhaar, ration card, and even a passport—through forged paperwork with help from local agents.

According to investigators, Kalam managed to travel abroad using a fake Indian passport and shifted residences multiple times within Budhwara, where he was widely known by his assumed name, Neha.

His actual gender is now being medically verified to determine whether the identity was a genuine expression or simply a disguise to avoid detection.

Police sources say Kalam was also active in Maharashtra’s hijra circles, raising suspicions that his impersonation may be linked to a broader network.

Investigators are exploring the possibility that others in the community may have knowingly or unknowingly supported the fraud.

Two youths from the area, who allegedly helped Kalam acquire the fake documents, are currently being questioned.

Officials believe this may be only a small part of a much larger system enabling illegal immigrants to obtain Indian identity papers.

Authorities are combing through Abdul’s call records and chats for potential leads.

Kalam has been detained for 30 days under provisions of the Foreigners Act.

“He has been living in Bhopal for the last 8-10 years. Before that, he was in Maharashtra. We received a tip-off through an informer and initiated the identification process. He has also travelled to Bangladesh in the meantime, and we are awaiting reports from concerned departments,” Additional DCP Shalini Dixit was quoted as saying by NDTV.

While the deportation process is underway, officials are first focusing on piecing together Kalam’s network, past movements, and foreign connections to fully understand the scale of the operation.

The case has triggered alarm within law enforcement circles, not only due to the extensive identity fraud but also because of potential national security concerns.

Questions are being raised about how a foreign national managed to remain undetected for years in a major Indian city using counterfeit documents.

Bhopal Police, with assistance from central agencies, are now working to uncover whether this is a standalone case or part of a larger and more disturbing racket.