The alleged mastermind behind the fake passport racket, Md Rasheed Ali, surrendered before the Hyderabad Police today. He is also wanted by the Delhi Police in connection with the Babubhai Katara case. Crime branch sleuths are also questioning a former TDP corporator in connection with the case, and have filed charges against a second TRS MLA today.

Rasheed, who runs a travel agency in the Old City, had been on the run since he was named in connection with the Katara case. At around 12.30 pm today, he walked into the Central Crime Station of the Crime Branch, accompanied by his lawyers.

Speaking to the media before surrendering, Rasheed claimed that he was innocent, and was only surrendering because of a political threat. “After my name was publicised, I started getting threatening calls from politicians. I decided to surrender for my security.” He also claimed that he did not know either Katara or TRS MLA Kasipeta Lingaiah, who surrendered a few days ago.

Soon after Rasheed surrendered, police summoned former municipal corporator Muzzafar Ali to the CCS. According to sources, his number was amongst those dialed from Rasheed’s cell phone. Sources said Ali told police that Rasheed had called him for help thrice, but on all three occasions, he told Rasheed that he should surrender. According to sources, Rasheed also has close links with other state MLAs and MPs.

Rasheed has a history of forging passports. In 2003 and 2006, cases were registered against him under the Passport Act for using false identities to make passports.

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