Over 500 Bangladeshi nationals detained: Coordinated operations lead to the detention of over 500 suspected illegal immigrants across Gujarat
A significant crackdown on illegal immigrants in Gujarat has resulted in the detention of over 550 Bangladeshi nationals, the majority of whom were apprehended in Surat during an overnight operation. The coordinated raids, led by Gujarat Police in collaboration with multiple specialized units, also targeted Ahmedabad, where more than 450 individuals were detained for residing in India illegally using forged documents, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The operations, executed with precision by teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Crime Branch, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), and local police, focused on individuals who had entered India without valid documentation. Deputy Commissioner of Police (SOG), Rajdeep Singh Nakum, confirmed that intelligence inputs had led to the Surat detentions. Those detained are expected to be deported back to Bangladesh following further verification and interrogation.
Gujarat Police leads the charge in dismantling illegal immigration networks
In Ahmedabad, the operation began in the early hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., with more than 400 individuals taken into custody from the Chandola area, a locality previously flagged for harboring undocumented immigrants. DCP Ajit Rajian stated that the successful operation was carried out by teams from various units, including the Economic Offences Wing and Zone 6.
Sharad Singhal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), highlighted that the operation was conducted under the direct orders of Gujarat’s Home Minister and top law enforcement officials. He also noted that earlier investigations had already led to the arrest of 127 Bangladeshis and the deportation of 77 individuals since April 2024.
This crackdown is part of a broader national effort to address illegal immigration. In Delhi, the police have launched their own investigation into networks facilitating the entry of Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals into the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs has flagged illegal immigration as a national security issue, urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in dismantling these networks.