A group of four men involved in creating counterfeit documents and standing surety for those granted bail at the Magistrate Court Complex on Nrupatunga Road, have been arrested by police.

Police closed in on the suspects after investigating the backgrounds of individuals who stood surety for a career criminal during a recent case, said sources.

B Krishnappa, 49, a cook from KGF; Nagappa, 54, a farmer from Kolar; R K Lakshmipathi, 42, and Kodandarama, 48, from Bhoopasandra were arrested at their offices  RK Enterprises in Bhoopasandra.

Police also recovered fake identification papers, including ration cards, election photo identity cards, pahani (Record of Tenancy and Crops) — all created under fictitious names. Besides, police also recovered fake government hologram stickers, seals, a computer and other equipment from the arrested.

Larger scam

Police said the racket could be  just the tip of the iceberg.  “The ring is a very organised scam being perpetrated with the connivance of many lawyers and court officials,”
police said.

Sources said that many lawyers were hand in glove with the arrested and had paid up to Rs 1,500 per fake surety which was provided with a fictitious identity.

Police officials investigating the case told Deccan Herald that it was still unsure how many sureties the four men had provided.  They added that each of the arrested men had at least provided fake sureties in various names to more than 20 people.

“The case is being investigated and chances of more people being involved in the ring are very likely,” they added.