31 Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants Transferred to West Bengal After Arrest in Bengaluru
Police Transfer of Illegal Immigrants
Photo: IANS
Kolkata, September 2: A group of 31 Bangladeshi immigrants, who were apprehended during a police operation in Bengaluru, has been transported to Malda district in West Bengal, as reported by local authorities on Wednesday.
The individuals are currently being held at a temporary facility in Malda, which is adjacent to the Bangladesh border. Authorities have initiated the legal procedures necessary for their repatriation to Bangladesh, after which they will be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for the pushback process.
Sources indicate that the Karnataka Police detained these 31 individuals for lacking valid documentation to prove their legal status in India. It is believed they entered India illegally via the international border with Bangladesh in West Bengal before making their way to Bengaluru in search of work.
The arrests occurred approximately three months ago, and the detainees were held at a facility in Bengaluru until their transfer to Malda was arranged by the Karnataka Police.
According to a Malda district police officer, the Karnataka Police team arrived at Malda Town station late Tuesday night with the detainees. They were then transferred to the West Bengal Police, who transported them by bus to the holding facility.
The group was moved from Bengaluru to Malda by train under strict surveillance, accompanied by a contingent of 20 Karnataka Police officers throughout the journey.
This operation was part of a broader initiative by the Karnataka Police, dubbed 'Operation Mukt', aimed at identifying illegal immigrants. Conducted on August 9, the operation involved verifying the documents of 2,944 individuals, leading to the identification of 105 suspected illegal immigrants, 31 of whom were arrested in Bengaluru.
Officials confirmed that the process for repatriating these 31 individuals to Bangladesh is already underway. Once all necessary formalities are completed, they will be handed over to the BSF for further action.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consistently advocated for strict measures against illegal immigration, emphasizing the importance of identifying and deporting individuals who have entered India without proper documentation.
Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in West Bengal in May, state authorities have intensified their efforts to monitor and act against suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Temporary holding centers have been established in various border regions to accommodate detainees.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has adopted a 'zero tolerance' stance on illegal immigration, with ongoing efforts by authorities to identify and take action against suspected infiltrators.