Police begin search for man accused of ‘forging’ documents of Vizhinjam port to dupe investors - The HinduPublished - June 18, 2026 09:44 pm IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAMThe Thiruvananthapuram City Police have begun an investigation into a complaint that a Malappuram native allegedly forged documents of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Authority, claiming that he had secured a ₹300-crore project contract, and is suspected of duping several people. A case has been registered against Salmanul Faris P.T., 45, a native of Areacode in Malappuram district, by the Thampanoor Police.Although the police had registered a case earlier this month based on a complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer of Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), a fresh case was registered following a complaint filed by a native of Ernakulam. The complainant alleged that the accused had duped his sister of ₹20 lakh by showing the forged document.However, the police clarified that the case is still at a preliminary stage, as no other complaints have been received so far in connection with the alleged forgery or cheating. In addition, it is not yet clear whether the accused himself forged the document or whether it was forged by someone else. At present, the matter is being treated as an economic offence between two individuals. The police are gathering further details to determine whether it is part of a larger conspiracy, which can be confirmed only after the accused is taken into custody, said the police.According to the police, the accused allegedly created a forged document claiming that he had been awarded a tender worth ₹300 crore by VISL. The document allegedly carried the signatures of senior VISL officials. A case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to forgery and cheating. The accused reportedly went into hiding after the case was registered, and the police have intensified efforts to take him into custody.Published - June 18, 2026 09:44 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }