Pune Passport Office Tightens Verification After Criminal Escapes Abroad, Announces Special Passport Camp

Following the escape of notorious criminal Nilesh Ghaywal abroad, the Pune Passport Office has stepped up scrutiny of passport applications, ordering police to re-verify suspicious addresses before passports are issued.

Pune|February 11, 2026: Pune Regional Passport Officer Dr Vinod Gaikwad announced the new verification measures, noting that any case where police reports indicate “no person resides at the given address” will now undergo fresh verification prior to passport issuance. The move comes amid criticism of the passport system for failing to detect irregularities in applicants’ residential information.

Dr Gaikwad made the announcement during the inauguration of a four-day special passport camp organised by the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh for journalists and their families. The camp, attended by Deputy Passport Officer Srishti Pandey, Sangh President Brijmohan Patil, and other dignitaries, aims to complete new passport applications and renewals within four days.

An interactive session during the event saw Dr Gaikwad share his experiences as an ambassador in Russia, Kuwait, and France, discuss evolving government policies, and highlight India’s global image abroad. Journalists raised questions regarding passport processing and security, and Dr Gaikwad assured strict action against applicants submitting fake documents, false addresses, or incorrect information, with criminal cases to be registered against violators.

The Regional Passport Officer also highlighted the government’s push towards digital passports, stating that e-passports will become the standard by 2035, marking a major step in modernising passport issuance.

The Pune Passport Office reiterated its commitment to strengthening verification procedures, ensuring transparency, and maintaining security in passport issuance, while making the process more efficient for genuine applicants.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune