Passport official transferred for 'humiliating' Hindu-Muslim couple, defends decision citing 'national security'

Vikas Mishra, passport officer at Lucknow's Ratan Square Kendra, said what he did was as per the rules and regulations.

NEW DELHI: The passport officer accused of harassing an inter-faith couple responded to the allegations on Thursday. Vikas Mishra, passport officer at Lucknow's Ratan Square Kendra, said what he did was as per the rules and regulations. Mishra further said that he had asked Tanvi Seth to get the name "Shadia Anas" endorsed because it was mentioned on her Nikahnama. He said we have to do thorough checks to ensure no person is changing their name to obtain a passport. Previously, the inter-faith couple had alleged that they were harassed at passport office where the husband was told to change his religion & take 'pheras'. Later officials apologized and were given a passport. Regional Passport Officer had informed that a show cause notice was issued to the official and the accused passport officer Vikas Mishra was transferred.