Mumbai, September 28, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The arrest of 22-year-old Riya Barde in Ulhasnagar has garnered massive media attention. This isn’t just another case of an illegal immigrant overstaying her welcome; it’s a complex story with ties to the entertainment industry, fake identities, and a family that appears to have changed its entire background to live under false pretenses in India.
Riya, originally from Bangladesh, allegedly obtained fake documents to stay in the country, and her connections to Raj Kundra’s production company have raised further eyebrows.
Who is Riya Barde?
Riya Barde, also known by the aliases Arohi Barde and Banna Sheikh, is a Bangladeshi national who has lived in India using false documents. She was arrested in Ulhasnagar for illegally overstaying her visit by obtaining an Indian passport using fake credentials.
Despite her arrest, it’s her connections to a much larger network—including her involvement in pornography films and links to Raj Kundra’s production company—that have brought this case into the spotlight.
Riya Barde’s Different Names
Riya didn’t operate under just one name. She is known to have gone by Arohi Barde and Banna Sheikh at various points, making it difficult to track her real identity. These aliases helped her and her family stay undetected for a long time.
The Role of Her Family in the Scheme
Riya wasn’t alone in this web of deception. Her entire family is reported to have changed their names, assumed new identities, and created an elaborate scheme to live in India illegally.
The Legal Trouble: Arrest in Ulhasnagar
Riya was arrested by the Hill Line police in Ulhasnagar for living in India on fake documents, including a falsified Indian passport. She overstayed her visa and, as per reports, was living with her mother, brother, and sister.
The Overstayed Visa and Fake Passport
The crux of her arrest revolves around her overstaying in India. She had managed to obtain a passport through false documents, allowing her to stay in the country beyond her visa limits.
Riya’s Family: A Background Check
Riya’s mother, originally known as Ruby Shaikh, changed her name to Anjali Barde after marrying an Indian national named Arvind Barde. The marriage is believed to have been a means to secure Indian residency for the family.
Father: Arvind Barde’s Role in the Story
Arvind Barde, a resident of Amravati, appears to be a crucial part of the family’s plan to remain in India. His marriage to Ruby Shaikh facilitated the family’s illegal stay in the country.
Siblings: Ravindra and Ritu’s Involvement
Riya’s siblings, Ravindra (aka Riyaz Sheikh) and Ritu (aka Moni Sheikh), are still at large. The police are actively searching for them, as they too are believed to be living in India on false identities.
How Riya’s Family Falsified Their Identity
Riya’s family originally hailed from Bangladesh but falsified documents to claim they were from West Bengal. This elaborate scheme allowed them to blend into Indian society without raising suspicions for years.
Marriage of Convenience: Ruby Shaikh and Arvind Barde
The marriage between Riya’s mother, Ruby Shaikh, and Arvind Barde appears to be a marriage of convenience, allowing Ruby and her children to establish a legal presence in India.
Riya Barde’s Connection to Raj Kundra, Involvement in Porn Industry
One of the most shocking aspects of this case is Riya’s alleged involvement in the adult entertainment industry. Reports suggest she worked for Raj Kundra’s production company, which has been embroiled in its own scandals related to pornography.
Links with Gehana Vasisth
Riya is also linked to Gehana Vasisth, another figure in the adult entertainment industry who has faced legal troubles for her involvement in pornographic films. This connection adds another layer to the unfolding story.
Previous Arrest Under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
Prostitution Charges in Mumbai
Riya was previously arrested in Mumbai on charges related to prostitution under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. This previous arrest suggests a long history of illegal activities that go beyond her immigration status.
The Fallout from the Arrest
Her involvement in prostitution, combined with her ties to the porn industry, paints a picture of someone deeply entrenched in illicit activities. This previous arrest may have played a role in the current investigation into her background.
How the Case Came to Light
Interestingly, this entire case came to light when a friend of Riya discovered her true Bangladeshi origin and reported it to the authorities. This led to a thorough investigation into her residency documents and eventual arrest.
The Impact of the Friend’s Tip-off
Without this friend’s tip-off, it’s possible that Riya and her family could have continued living in India undetected. This underscores the importance of personal connections in bringing hidden crimes to light.
The Police Investigation: A Manhunt for the Rest of the Family
The police are now actively searching for Riya’s siblings, Ravindra and Ritu, as well as her mother Ruby Shaikh. These individuals are believed to be on the run, evading arrest.
International Ties: Parents Residing in Qata
Further complicating the situation is the fact that Riya’s parents are believed to be residing in Qatar, adding an international dimension to the case.
Legal Consequences of Faking Documents in India
Obtaining a fake passport and falsifying residency documents are serious offenses in India, carrying significant legal consequences. Riya could face long-term imprisonment and heavy fines.
India’s Crackdown on Fake Identities
India has been cracking down on fake identities in recent years, with stricter measures in place to identify and punish those who use illegal means to stay in the country.
The Ongoing Scandals Surrounding Kundra
Raj Kundra has been under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the production and distribution of pornographic content. Riya’s ties to his company only add fuel to the ongoing scandals.
Could This Be a Larger Network?
Riya’s arrest raises questions about whether she is part of a larger network of illegal activities, possibly extending beyond immigration violations to human trafficking and pornography rings.
Riya Barde in Custody: What Happens Next?
Riya remains in police custody as investigations continue.
