Crime & Investigation
Bangladeshi National Arrested After Living as Transgender “Neha” in Bhopal for 8 Years
A Bizarre Tale of Identity Fraud & Deception
In one of the most unusual cases of immigration fraud uncovered in recent years, a Bangladeshi national identified as Abdul Kalam was arrested in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly living as a transgender woman named “Neha Kinnar” for the past 8 years. According to police sources, Abdul not only changed his appearance and lifestyle but also became deeply embedded within the local transgender (Hijra) community, escaping detection for nearly a decade.
This extraordinary case sheds light on how gender identity can be misused for criminal purposes, while also revealing dangerous loopholes in documentation and immigration monitoring.
Who Is “Neha Kinnar”?
The person known locally as Neha Kinnar was a familiar figure in Budhwara, one of Bhopal’s oldest localities. For years, residents assumed Neha was a transgender individual living peacefully within the community. Neha lived a seemingly modest life and was often seen participating in cultural rituals, seeking donations, and engaging with fellow kinnar community members during festivals.
In reality, Neha was Abdul Kalam, a Bangladeshi citizen who had crossed into India nearly 30 years ago and gradually transformed his public identity to survive under the radar.
How the Truth Was Uncovered
Bhopal police began an investigation based on intelligence reports regarding a foreign national living illegally under a false identity. Surveillance teams tracked Abdul’s movements and monitored communication devices, which ultimately led to a raid on his residence.
During the raid:
- Abdul attempted to maintain his transgender persona.
- However, the gender verification tests revealed he was biologically male and not undergoing gender transition treatment.
- He had Indian documents, including a forged Aadhaar card, voter ID, and even a passport, all listing him as “Neha.”
The suspect admitted during interrogation that he posed as transgender to avoid suspicion, knowing that transgender individuals are rarely subjected to intense scrutiny in legal and documentation processes.
Documentation Trail & Cross-Border Movement
Police investigations revealed that:
- Abdul had traveled between Bangladesh and India multiple times using forged documents.
- He reportedly used informal border routes through West Bengal and Assam.
- In Bhopal, he rented homes using fake Indian ID cards and received social benefits, sometimes pretending to be a destitute member of the transgender community.
- Officials suspect the involvement of document-forging agents who may have helped create his Indian identity.
Legal Charges & National Security Implications
Abdul has been:
- Detained under the Foreigners Act
- Slapped with charges under IPC Sections related to impersonation, forgery, and fraud
- Subjected to a 30-day judicial remand for further questioning
Authorities are now investigating:
- Whether Abdul had links to criminal or extremist groups
- If he was part of a larger illegal migration network
- Whether other illegal immigrants are living disguised as transgender individuals in Indian cities
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been brought in for a national-level investigation.
A Larger Pattern: Misuse of Transgender Identity Across India
This case isn’t isolated. In recent years, security agencies have noticed a rising trend of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants using the identity of transgender persons to stay in India undetected.
Reported incidents include:
- Delhi’s Jahangirpuri: 6 Bangladeshis were arrested while pretending to be transgender; they lived in slums and begged at traffic lights while staying connected to families in Dhaka through IMO, a banned VoIP app.
- Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra: Several impersonators were caught living with kinnar groups, some even undergoing cosmetic alterations to make their disguise more convincing.
Why Transgender Identity Is Being Misused
| 🧠 Reason | 📋 Explanation |
|---|---|
| Low scrutiny | Transgender individuals often receive social sympathy and are less questioned by law enforcement. |
| No family records | Many kinnars live away from family structures, making it easy to blend in without background checks. |
| Fluid documents | With forged Aadhaar, ration cards, and even voter IDs, illegal migrants exploit gaps in verification systems. |
| Community trust | The hijra community often provides housing, food, and financial support — making it a safe hideout for imposters. |
What Authorities Must Do
In response to such incidents, officials recommend:
- Biometric verification during issuance of identity documents
- Cross-verification of transgender status in high-risk zones
- Public awareness within kinnar communities to guard against infiltration
- AI-powered pattern detection of fake identity networks
Law enforcement also stresses that real transgender citizens must not be stigmatized due to fraudulent acts by imposters.
Expert Voices
LGBTQ+ activist Maya Sharma: This is a betrayal of a marginalized community’s trust. We must ensure that such cases are punished, but without harming the dignity of the transgender population
Senior IPS officer (name withheld): This case shows how even identity and gender can be weaponized for illegal residence. We need tighter documentation, especially in high-risk urban zones
Final Word
The story of Abdul Kalam living for eight years as Neha Kinnar is more than just a tale of identity fraud. It’s a wake-up call for law enforcement, border security, and social organizations. It exposes the gaps in document verification, the vulnerability of transgender communities to exploitation, and the need for balanced, inclusive security measures.
As this investigation unfolds, India faces a tough challenge: how to stop such fraud without marginalizing real transgender individuals. A just, aware, and secure society must do both — protect identity and ensure national safety.