PANAJI
An investigation into Israeli national Yaniv Benaim aka Atala has led Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) sleuths to a nationalized bank, where he is believed to have submitted documents to obtain an Aadhaar card.
Sources told The Goan that the ANC is examining how Atala managed to obtain the government-issued identification, given that this requires valid supporting documents and proof of residential address.
The bank’s role has now become part of the probe, as a team led by DySP Nerlon Albuquerque and PI Terrence Vaz visited the bank's Calangute branch seeking documents submitted by Atala. It has emerged that an independent agency tasked with processing the Aadhaar application had been operating from the bank’s premises.
"To whom the documents were submitted and who handled his application for the issuance of the Aadhaar card will also be probed and questioned," the source said.
The inquiry comes even as Anjuna police have separately registered a criminal case against Atala for residing in India without a valid passport or visa. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by the ANC.
Atala, arrested for possessing drugs, is also being probed for holding three passports and other illegalities. His arrest is likely in the Anjuna PS case.
