Mumbai Police Uncover Nuclear Data After Arresting Impersonator at India's Premier Atomic Research Center

Mumbai police have made a significant discovery following the arrest of an individual posing as a scientist at the prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Authorities recovered suspicious nuclear data and 14 maps from the suspect, which are currently under examination to determine if they contain sensitive or classified nuclear information.

The suspect, identified as Akhtar Qutubuddin Hussaini, was apprehended in Versova last week. He had been impersonating a scientist under various aliases. During the arrest, police seized multiple counterfeit documents, including passports, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and fake BARC identification cards. Some of these IDs named him as Ali Raza Hussain, while others referred to him as Alexander Palmer.

According to sources close to the investigation, Hussaini had made numerous international calls in recent months, with authorities now tracing these communications. Police suspect he maintained contact with foreign networks potentially connected to the recovered nuclear data.

The investigation has uncovered that Hussaini has a lengthy history of identity deception. In 2004, he was deported from Dubai after claiming to be a "scientist possessing classified documents." Despite this deportation, he subsequently traveled to Dubai, Tehran, and other international locations using fraudulent passports.

Hussaini, originally from Jamshedpur, sold his ancestral home in 1996 but continued obtaining fake documentation with assistance from former contacts. His brother Adil reportedly introduced him to Munazzil Khan, a Jharkhand resident whom police believe forged passports for them under the names Hussaini Mohammad Adil and Nasimuddin Syed Adil Hussaini. These documents listed an address of a property in Jamshedpur that had been sold approximately three decades ago.

Investigators believe the Hussaini brothers utilized these forged documents and false identities for international travel. Sources indicate that Adil Hussaini was recently arrested by Delhi Police, though Akhtar attempted to mislead investigators by claiming during interrogation that his brother had died long ago.

The ongoing investigation has also implicated Munazzil Khan's brother, Ilyas Khan, who is now wanted by authorities. Ilyas is accused of supplying Akhtar Hussaini with counterfeit educational credentials, including fraudulent school and college diplomas.

Additionally, authorities in Meerut are seeking Akhtar in connection with a separate case involving incitement and spreading dissatisfaction against the Uttar Pradesh government.