'Operation Khoj': Pakistan-born woman Farhat booked for holding Indian documents without citizenship

A Pakistani-origin foreign national woman has been identified in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district during the ongoing 'Operation Khoj' mission by Uttar Pradesh Police. The police have registered an FIR against a woman. The woman's name is Farhat Sultana, alias Farida; she has been living in the Sufi Tola area of Baradari police station limits in Bareilly for the last 60 years.

She was born in Pakistan in 1961 but claims to have been brought to India as a baby when she was 8 months old. Despite possessing an Aadhaar card, voter ID, and ration card, she failed to produce valid proof of Indian citizenship when asked by the police. 

I'm Indian, not Pakistani: Farhat

On being questioned by the UP police, Farhat clearly said that she considers herself an Indian. “I was born in Pakistan, but when I was only 8 months old, my family brought me to UP's Bareilly,” she said. I don't know anything about Pakistan; my entire life has been spent here. I grew up here, got married here, and raised my 4 children here. Don’t call me Pakistani. “I’m Indian,” Farhat said.

64 Years in Bareilly, Documents in Hand

Farhat claims she has been living in Bareilly for over six decades and obtained all official documents locally. These documents enabled her to access government benefits. However, authorities are now investigating that she does not have any valid proof of Indian citizenship; the police have started a legal investigation of the documents made by her.

Married in Bareilly, Mother of Five

Farhat’s marriage also took place in Bareilly. She has five children — four daughters and one son — although one daughter passed away a year ago. She alleges her husband is abusive, provides no financial support, and refuses to contribute to the family or their daughters' weddings. “I’m deeply troubled. I’m an Indian and just want to live in peace. The police took me to the station, had me sign a paper, and sent me back after three hours. I wasn’t even informed about the case,” she said.

Police Statement & Next Steps

SP City Manush Pareek confirmed that under Operation Khoj, Farhat’s case surfaced. Since she lacks citizenship papers but possesses government IDs, an FIR was registered under legal provisions. Authorities are now investigating how she obtained the documents and whether any officials were complicit. Further action will depend on the outcome of this probe.