Couple gave fake papers for US visa, arrested

The Gamdevi police on Friday arrested an Andheri-based couple for attempting to procure a US visa with the help of forged documents.

“Aslam Lakhani, 40, and his wife Ruksana, 36, residents of Versova were arrested for cheating and forgery, “ said a police officer of the Gamdevi police station and added that the couple were remanded in custody till June 29 by the local court.

During the interrogation, it was revealed that Aslam Lakhani was an auto rickshaw driver while his wife Ruksana was house wife.

The couple was desperately trying to go the US. They had paid Rs50,000 to an agent called Ameen ( full name not known) to prepare documents to get the US visa, said the officer.

Aslam stated in his documents that he was the proprietor of Lakhani Leathers. They also submitted passbook of the Versova branch of Union Bank of India to US Consulate office at Peddar Road, the Consulate officials called the couple for an interview on June 23.

While verifying the documents, Benjamin Sidas, regional security officer of the US consulate suspected foul play and contacted the Versova branch of Union Bank of India and found that Aslam had no account  there. He then immediately contacted the Gamdevi police.On receiving the information from US Consulate, sub inspector Chimaji Jadhav and staff rushed to the Consulate office and nabbed the couple.