More than 1,000 undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, including women and children, were detained during combing operations in Gujarat, India, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). Indian Minister of Home, Police Housing and Disaster Management Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the detentions on Saturday, adding that arrangements are being made for their deportation.
“The Ahmedabad police detained 890 individuals, while the Surat police apprehended 134. This marks the largest operation by Gujarat Police targeting those living illegally in the state," said Harsh Sanghavi.
“This is a historic success in apprehending illegal Bangladeshis,” said Sanghavi.
Sanghavi issued a warning to illegal immigrants in Gujarat to surrender voluntarily or face arrest and deportation. He also cautioned against sheltering illegal immigrants, stating that legal action would be taken against those who do so.
He revealed that many detainees used fake documents obtained from West Bengal to move to different parts of India before settling in Gujarat. "Some of these individuals are linked to drug cartels and human trafficking, while others have ties to sleeper cells of Al Qaeda," he added.
He said, “We will also probe the creation and use of fake documents that allowed them to enter and live in Gujarat, and strict action will be taken against those responsible for forging these documents.”
Sanghavi stated that all necessary procedures for deportation are being expedited in coordination with the central government and the Border Security Force (BSF). He further directed the Gujarat police to intensify operations against illegal immigrants across the state, and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that foreign nationals do not reside illegally in Gujarat.
“We have provided West Bengal with evidence showing how these individuals acquired fake documents in the state,” he said.
Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay said, "Once confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals, deportation proceedings will begin promptly."
The simultaneous operations in Ahmedabad and Surat began around 3 am on Saturday.
