CBI Arrests Ramdev's Aide Balkrishna in Alleged Passport Fake Documents Case

Balkrishna, a close aide of yoga guru Ramdev, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday after a special court issued a non-bailable warrant against him in an alleged fake documents case. Officials confirmed that he was taken into custody and will be produced before the court in due course.

Balkrishna serves as managing director of Patanjali Ayurved, the wellness company co-founded by Ramdev. His arrest is connected to allegations that he submitted forged educational certificates to obtain an Indian passport from the Regional Passport Office in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

The CBI had registered a case in this matter in July last year. According to the agency, Balkrishna conspired with the then principal of Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, to issue fake certificates. These certificates were then used as proof of educational qualification in his passport application.

A CBI spokesperson said, “It was alleged in the complaint that the accused had wrongfully obtained an Indian passport. Enquiry established that the accused in connivance with some unknown persons has furnished false information and forged documents to the Passport office at Bareilly for getting an Indian passport issued.”

The agency has charged Balkrishna under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery. He has also been charged with violating Section 12 of the Indian Passport Act, which penalises furnishing false information or documents to obtain a passport.

The CBI's investigation involved verification of records from the educational institution and the passport office. The then principal of the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya has also been named as an accused in the case.

A non-bailable warrant is issued by a court when an accused person fails to appear despite summons or when the investigating agency persuades the court that arrest is necessary for a fair investigation. In this case, the CBI moved the special court for permission to arrest Balkrishna, and the warrant was issued.

The arrest comes at a time when Ramdev has announced an agitation against corruption and black money, scheduled to begin on August 9 at Ram Lila ground in New Delhi. There is no information suggesting any connection between the planned protest and Balkrishna's arrest.

Balkrishna is entitled to contest the charges in court. As with any accused person, he is presumed innocent until proved guilty. The case remains under investigation, and the legal process will determine its outcome.