An unusual wave of panic has gripped parts of North 24 Parganas following the announcement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Across Birati, Bisharpara, and neighbouring areas, a significant number of domestic helpers and labourers, many of whom are alleged to be Bangladeshi nationals, have reportedly vanished overnight.
One such individual, known locally as Rahima’s mother, who had been working in Birati for over 25 years, disappeared soon after the SIR declaration. Inquiries by neighbours revealed that she had fled to Bangladesh. Similar reports have emerged from other households, with some admitting they were “returning to Bangladesh” and would only come back once “things settle down.”
Mamata Banerjee’s vote bank is on the run!
Soon after the SIR announcement, an unusual situation has gripped North 24 Parganas.
Across Birati, Bisharpara and surrounding areas, a large number of domestic helpers have suddenly vanished. One such woman, known as Rahima’s mother,… pic.twitter.com/pDLnkSmKQV
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 2, 2025
Fear of identification during SIR
Officials suggest that the exodus is being driven by fear of detention amid the SIR process, which involves door-to-door verification of voter details by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
A senior Border Security Force (BSF) officer explained, “Most of those arrested worked as domestic help and labourers in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, and other parts of West Bengal. They feared identification during the verification process and attempted to return to Bangladesh.”
The BSF has intensified patrolling along the Indo-Bangladesh border following the SIR announcement. On November 1 and 2, multiple attempts to cross the border illegally were intercepted:
November 1: 15 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended during nighttime attempts near Basirhat. Separately, at least 45 more, including 11 children and 15 women, were detained at Hakimpur.
November 2: Another 33 individuals were caught trying to cross into Bangladesh and handed over to the Swaroop Nagar Police Station.
All detainees were produced before local courts and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. In the last three days alone, a total of 89 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended attempting illegal border crossings in the North 24 Parganas district.
For years, local administrations, including both CPM and Trinamool governments, have been accused of providing shelter and political patronage to illegal Bangladeshi migrants residing in West Bengal. The current exodus has fueled discussions among locals, with many pointing out that this time, authorities may not be able to shield these individuals from the legal consequences of illegal migration.
BSF officials say security has been tightened along the border, with close coordination between border forces and local police. “We are ensuring that illegal crossings are intercepted and proper legal action is taken,” said Basirhat SP Hossain Mehedi Rahaman. With the SIR process now underway, authorities anticipate more attempts by undocumented individuals to evade verification, underscoring the scale of challenges in maintaining electoral integrity while addressing the sensitive issue of illegal migration.
