Eight Bangladeshi nationals were arrested by Gwalior police on October 11, following a tip-off from Haryana Police. These individuals had been living illegally in Gwalior’s Maharajpura locality for the past 12 years. Some of their relatives had previously been detained in Panipat.
Acting on the information, a joint operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of all eight near the sensitive Maharajpura Airbase, located close to the Indian Air Force base.
Police revealed that the arrested individuals belong to the same family and have been residing in India without valid documents. They were identified as Mohammad Sharif, his wife Silima, their children Rafiq, Chumki, and Adori, their nephew Ashiq, along with Ratul Sheikh and his son Uja.
During interrogation, it was disclosed that Mohammad Sharif initially arrived in India about 12 years ago from Jessore district in Bangladesh. He first reached Kolkata, then moved to Gwalior seeking employment, eventually bringing the rest of his family to settle there. Sharif’s father, Noor, who had also lived in India, passed away several years ago after accidentally falling into a well.
The family was found living in a rented house in Deendayal Nagar, owned by local resident Devendra Kansana. They worked under contract for him, collecting and disposing of garbage for around Rs 15,000 per month.
Further investigations uncovered that the group had the ability to procure duplicate Aadhaar cards and other Indian identity documents. These were used to open bank accounts, obtain mobile SIM cards, and secure local jobs. Ratul Sheikh admitted to entering India via the India-Bangladesh border five years ago, using local agents and paying Rs 4,000.
Police seized fake documents and mobile phone numbers during the arrests. Intelligence agencies are currently analysing their digital records to identify contacts and check for other illegal immigrants in the region.
Gwalior SP Dharamveer Singh stated that a state-wide verification drive is underway to identify suspected foreign nationals. The verification of the arrested individuals is in progress, and a report will be sent to Bangladeshi authorities for confirmation. Deportation will follow once their citizenship is verified.
Due to the security sensitivity of the Maharajpura Airbase area, police have increased surveillance and checks. Investigations are ongoing to track other illegal migrants living nearby.
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