Concerns Rise Over Border Security as Eight Bangladesh Nationals Detained in Assam

In a recent incident in Assam's Sribhumi district, eight individuals from Bangladesh were detained near the India-Bangladesh border, raising significant concerns about border security. The apprehensions occurred after the group allegedly crossed the border by cutting through fencing. This incident has prompted questions regarding the effectiveness of border surveillance, especially since some of the detainees had been sent back to Bangladesh just days prior. Additionally, another suspected Bangladeshi national was caught wandering late at night in Sribhumi town. The Assam government has been actively pushing back illegal immigrants, with over 30,000 reported repatriations to date. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing border security effectively.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 16:42 IST

Border Security Under Scrutiny

Sribhumi, Dec 24: On Tuesday, authorities in Assam's Sribhumi district apprehended eight individuals from Bangladesh in two separate incidents near the India-Bangladesh border, raising alarms about border security in this sensitive area.

The detained individuals have been identified as Abbas Khan, Anwar Khan, Tahir Ali, Ayesha Khatun, Rustam Ali, Abdul Aziz, and Idrish Ali, while the name of the eighth person remains unknown.

Officials reported that these individuals were transferred to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Mahisashan camp for further legal proceedings.

According to reports, the group was intercepted by members of the Village Defence Party (VDP) from Mantali village after they allegedly breached the border fencing around 3:30 PM on December 23.

VDP personnel grew suspicious upon observing the group near the border and promptly notified the police and BSF.

“During routine patrols, VDP members detained the Bangladeshi nationals at Mantali village. We immediately informed the police and BSF. Upon questioning, the detainees admitted to crossing the border via Dewtoli village. Senior police officials and BSF commandants arrived at the scene early this morning,” stated VDP member Sukul Nath.

This incident has sparked serious concerns regarding border management, especially since this same group had reportedly been sent back to Bangladesh on December 19.

Their quick return to Indian territory has raised questions about potential weaknesses in border surveillance and enforcement protocols.

In a related incident, another suspected Bangladeshi national was caught by local residents on Tuesday night at Gach Kalibari Road in Sribhumi town and subsequently handed over to the police. This individual, a resident of Zakiganj, raised suspicions after being seen wandering late at night.

Locals detained him and allegedly found Bangladeshi currency in his possession. He claimed to be a citizen of Bangladesh and was taken into custody by the Sribhumi police for further investigation.

Earlier, on September 10, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced that over 30,000 illegal immigrants had been repatriated from the state.

“We have successfully pushed back nearly 30,000 foreigners, with the total reaching 30,120,” Sarma stated during a press conference in Guwahati.

He clarified that this figure is cumulative and not specific to any one year, indicating that it could represent data from the last decade, five years, or even just a few months.

The Assam government has implemented a standard operating procedure under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act of 1950, which empowers District Commissioners and Additional District Commissioners to issue 10-day notices to suspected foreigners, requiring them to provide documentation proving their citizenship.

This SOP was established following a directive from a Supreme Court constitutional bench led by Justice Surya Kant, along with instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.