Samira Abdul Rehman (25), Kirhon Ghulam Ali (26) and Khasif Shamshuddin (30) from Karachi in Pakistan were arrested in Bengaluru on Wednesday night along with Muhammad Shihab from Kerala.
“They had been staying illegally in India for the past nine months and had even got themselves Aadhaar cards and other documents,” said Praveen Sood, Police Commissioner, during a press conference on Thursday.
Preliminary questioning revealed that Shihab fell in love with, and later married, Samira when they were working in Qatar. Facing opposition from their families, particularly from Samira’s family which vehemently opposed the marriage, the two decided to flee to India. They were accompanied by Kirhon and Khasif; Kirhon claims to be a relative of Samira.
The four flew to Kathmandu in Nepal in September 2016 and then crossed over to India by road before settling down in Bengaluru.
“We are verifying their claims. We do not know exactly why they chose to settle down in Bengaluru,” said Mr. Sood.
Working in the city
Shihab claims to be from Mallapuram district in Kerala. He claims to have worked in Bengaluru for a couple of years before shifting to Qatar. Over the past nine months, since their return, he has not been working.
Khasif has been illegally working in a perfume store in the city and sustaining the two families, said a senior police officer. Investigating officers learnt that the four kept a low profile to avoid drawing attention to themselves. “Central intelligence officials and the Home Ministry have been informed. They have joined the investigation,” said Malini Krishnamoorthy, Additional Commissioner of Police (West).
The four have been booked under the Passport Act, Foreigners Act, Registration of Foreigners Act, and for forgery and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
The Pakistani embassy has been informed of the development.
The Central Crime Branch are handling the case.
