Mumbai News: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) over the past few days have arrested 33 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly residing illegally in different districts of the state. The arrests were made as part of an operation that covered cities such as Navi Mumbai, Thane, Solapur, and Jalna, sources in the ATS said.
As many as 14 FIRs have been registered in connection with the matter, and the investigation into all these cases is now being carried out by the local police, the sources told ABP News.
Speaking exclusively to ABP News, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam said the issue of illegal Bangladeshi nationals is a serious concern for the country, and that their presence increases terrorism and other unlawful activities. Stringent measures are being taken to address this, and a special drive was part of these efforts, he said.
The minister also said the Mahayuti government was preparing to establish fast-track courts to deport foreign nationals caught staying in India illegally and involved in criminal activities.
Detention Centre To Be Built To Lodge Arrested Foreign Nationals
Kadam also said preparations are underway to set up detention centres for such arrested individuals. While a location was initially identified, some issues arose, which prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to allocate an alternative site, where work will begin soon.
He also spoke about Nigerian nationals in India who are often found involved in drug-related cases. These individuals are arrested, but the legal process for their deportation is lengthy. To fast-track such cases, efforts are being made to establish special courts that can deliver swift judgments, thereby facilitating quicker deportation, the minister said.
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Fake Documents Used To Obtain Aadhaar Cards, Passports
In the last three years, Mumbai Police have arrested at least 696 Bangladeshi nationals. However, due to legal processes, only 222 of them have been deported.
This year alone, up to September 2024, the Mumbai Police arrested 181 Bangladeshi nationals, out of which 133 have been deported. According to sources, out of 368 Bangladeshi nationals arrested last year, only 68 were deported.
Similarly, in 2022, only 21 out of the 147 arrested Bangladeshi infiltrators were deported.
During these operations, investigations revealed that many Bangladeshi nationals had used fake documents to obtain Aadhaar cards and Indian passports.
“This is not just about illegal migration; it’s about the misuse of forged documents to bypass the legal system, which poses a threat to national security,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.
The arrested individuals admitted to having created fake documents with the help of local accomplices, the official said, adding that the police are now investigating the network involved in producing these forged documents.
