Over 200 individuals, reportedly Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants, have been discovered residing in Murki village, located in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. A complaint concerning their presence has been filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader with the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak. In response, the local administration has formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter, with a report expected by October 17.
Former BJP MLA Dinesh Chaudhary alleged that Murki, a Muslim-majority village led by Mohammad Sadiq, has become a settlement ground for these outsiders. He accused the village head of intentionally bringing them in to strengthen his political support. Chaudhary further claimed that despite repeated objections from local residents, Sadiq has taken no corrective measures.
Contrary to the allegations, the individuals in question have claimed Indian citizenship. Most of them are involved in the trade of horses and mules or work at nearby brick kilns. Many reportedly arrived in 2013 and claim to have legally acquired land through their own efforts. Despite this, they continue to live in temporary shelters made from plastic sheets and tarpaulins, with no permanent housing structures built. All of them are said to possess Aadhaar cards.
Media reports indicate that three Muslim brothers were the first to settle in the area. Over time, their extended family grew and now cultivates more than 26 bighas of land. Following the recent developments, intelligence agencies have heightened surveillance, and the matter remains under active review by the authorities.
