Two back-to-back passport scandals have rocked the Mumbai airport recently. In passport-related controversies, two separate individuals at different times have made headlines for manipulating their travel documents in attempts to hide their Thailand trips from their respective families.
On Thursday, SS Ghatol, a 25-year-old fashion merchandising student, faced trouble at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Ghatol, a first-year student at a Worli-based institute, was attempting to board a flight to Singapore for an internship when immigration officials discovered that four pages were missing from her passport.
After asking, the student informed the authorities that she had mutilated her passport to hide a trip she took to Thailand from February 11 to 14. She had sought exemption from an exam by claiming illness, intending to avoid detection by her institute. Assistant immigration officer revealed that Ghatol feared her deception would be uncovered when her institute requested her passport for verification. Ghatol has been charged with cheating and violations under the Passport Act.
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In a separate incident, Tushar Pawar, a 33-year-old businessman from Satara, was arrested at the same airport. Pawar was caught attempting to fly to Bangkok after replacing stamped pages in his passport with blank ones to conceal multiple trips he had taken to Thailand in 2023 and 2024.
His attempt to hide these trips from his wife was discovered when immigration officer Aastha Mithal noticed discrepancies in his passport. Pawar initially struggled to explain the tampering but eventually admitted to altering the passport to keep his travels secret. He now faces charges under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, along with violations of the Indian Passport Act, 1967.
Both cases highlight the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal their activities and the rigorous scrutiny applied by immigration authorities to maintain passport integrity.
About Thailand
Thailand, a vibrant gem in Southeast Asia, captivates with its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and rich culture. Visitors flock to Bangkok’s bustling markets, Chiang Mai’s temples, and Phuket’s pristine shores. The country’s cuisine—spicy, flavorful, and diverse—is a highlight, while its warm hospitality ensures a memorable experience. From vibrant street life to tranquil islands, Thailand offers an unforgettable journey through tradition and natural beauty.