The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently engaged in a series of searches across 50 locations in West Bengal and Gangtok. These efforts come in light of the CBI's recent booking of 24 individuals, encompassing both government officials and private individuals, on charges of purportedly issuing passports founded on falsified documents, according to media reports.
Within this investigative operation, the CBI has taken into custody an official stationed in Gangtok, as well as a middleman. The First Information Report (FIR) specifies these 24 individuals, with 16 of them identified as government officials who allegedly played a role in providing passports to ineligible individuals. These actions were allegedly executed in exchange for illicit monetary gains, extending to non-residents as well.
The search operations span various key locations, encompassing Kolkata, Siliguri, Gangtok, and other relevant areas, reflecting the comprehensive scope of the CBI's ongoing efforts.