TRS MLA in fake passport case, police launch hunt to nab MLA

Hyderabad, Apr 25 (UNI) Close on the heels of the arrest of BJP MP Babubhai Katara in human trafficking case using fake passports, Telangana Rastra Smithi (TRS) MLA K Lingaiah has allegedly obtained a fake passport in the name of a woman stating to be his wife with fake certificates.

According to sources here, Lingaiah, elected from Nerella constituency of Karim Nagar district, had obtained a passport in the name of his wife K Tara for a woman using fake ration card as proof on January 25, 2007. He also submitted joint affidavits to the passport office, saying the woman was his wife.

The TRS MLA, along with the woman, went to Chennai to get visa from US Consulate on February 21, sources added.

Denying the allegations, Mr Lingaiah told newspersons this morning that he got the passport in the name of his wife from Rashid, who was arrested in connection with Katara human trafficking case after his name was mentioned by Yadav, a betel shop owner, recently in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Special Investigation Team (SIT) launched a hunt to nab the TRS MLA in connection with the fake passport case. A SIT team left for Karimnagar to arrest him. But the MLA was absconding, the police sources informed.

Speaking to newspersons here, Regional Passport Officer Bala Bhaskar said the passport in the name of TRS MLA's wife was issued on the basis of proof certificates. The reason behind the issuance of fake passport would be disclosed after investigation.

UNI