Ten transgender nationals from Bangladesh, residing illegally in Delhi, have been apprehended by the city police in three separate operations, officials confirmed on October 7. The Foreigner Cell of the North-West District Police conducted the operations, detaining eight individuals within the jurisdiction of Shalimar Bagh Police Station and two more in the Mahendra Park area.
According to officials, verification revealed that the individuals were residing in India without valid documentation. During the day, they were found to be involved in begging, while at night they allegedly engaged in objectionable activities. “Recently, we received information about the movement of suspected Bangladeshi nationals near Haiderpur Metro Station and New Subzi Mandi in the Mahendra Park area. Acting on this input, regular surveillance and area domination exercises were carried out in these localities,” the officials said.
Based on the intelligence received, a dedicated team was formed under the close supervision of Inspector Chaitanya Abhijit, in-charge of the Foreigner Cell, and the overall supervision of Rajeev Kumar, ACP, Foreigners Cell. The team included Sub-Inspectors Sapan and Shyambir; Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajender; Head Constables Vikram, Kapil Kumar, Vikash Yadav, Parveen, Tika Ram, and Kapil; Women Head Constables Poonam and Deepak; as well as Constables Nishant Mattoo, Hawa Singh, and Deepak Bangar.
Acting on actionable intelligence gathered during routine checks, the team, with assistance from informers, conducted targeted raids. During the operations, eight suspicious individuals were apprehended near Haiderpur Metro Station, within the jurisdiction of Shalimar Bagh Police Station, while two others were detained near New Subzi Mandi in the Mahendra Park area. According to officials, during initial questioning, the suspects claimed to be Indian citizens; however, their inconsistent responses and visibly nervous behaviour raised doubts about the authenticity of their claims.
A thorough investigation, which included document verification, analysis of digital footprints, and examination of photographic evidence, revealed strong ties to Bangladesh. “Supporting indicators, including online interactions with Bangladeshi entities, confirmed their identity as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants,” the police stated.
Further investigation revealed photographs on the accused individuals’ mobile phones and Instagram accounts showing locations in Bangladesh. Upon sustained interrogation, they admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals and produced their Bangladeshi National ID cards as proof.
“It was also uncovered that they had undergone Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS) to alter their physical appearance to resemble women. To conceal their true identities, they regularly used heavy makeup, sarees or salwar suits, wigs, and other feminine accessories. They had also adapted their voice and body language to mimic female mannerisms,” the police statement noted.
The investigation confirmed that all ten individuals were Bangladeshi citizens residing in Delhi without valid travel documents, visas, or permits, constituting a clear violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and other applicable immigration laws.
