Bhubaneswar: Odisha has initiated a large-scale crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Police, intelligence units, and district administrations are collaborating to enhance surveillance, verification, and eviction efforts across various coastal and inland districts, including Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. This operation has gained momentum following recent arrests and intelligence alerts, with the goal of identifying, verifying, and removing undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in different areas of the state.
Demolition Drives and Voluntary Evacuations in Jagatsinghpur
In Jagatsinghpur district, authorities on November 21 launched aggressive demolition drives targeting illegal settlements reportedly built by suspected Bangladeshi nationals on government land. Several makeshift structures were razed across multiple locations as part of the ongoing verification and clearance operations.
The impact of the crackdown has become visibly evident near Beherampur, where some suspected Bangladeshi families, allegedly fearing imminent police action, have begun dismantling their own houses and vacating encroached land voluntarily. Officials stated that these families had been occupying government land for several years without authorization. However, it remains unclear where the families moved after abandoning their settlements.
District authorities confirmed that the operations will continue in a phased manner in the coming days as teams proceed with door-to-door verification to identify undocumented foreign nationals.
Key Accused Sikandar Under Scanner; Multi-State Money Trail Emerges
The investigation into the organised settlement of Bangladeshi nationals in Jagatsinghpur has brought to light the activities of Sikandar, the prime accused currently absconding. Police conducted a two-hour raid on his residence in Jangipur, during which an old voter ID card and several documents were seized.
According to police sources, Sikandar is suspected of facilitating accommodation for several Bangladeshi individuals, helping them find shelter in slum areas and other pockets of the district. To track his financial activities, police have contacted a local bank near College Chowk for details of his accounts. However, the probe has revealed that Sikandar maintains multiple bank accounts in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, complicating efforts to trace the money trail.
A senior police officer confirmed that teams are now coordinating with banks in other states to obtain transactional details.
Possible Escape via Water Route; Lookout Notice Likely
Police suspect that Sikandar, who previously worked in the Merchant Navy, may attempt to flee the country using a sea route. Jagatsinghpur SP Ankit Kumar Verma stated that the department is actively considering issuing a lookout notice to prevent any such escape attempt.
Another search was carried out in Kuwamanga under Raghunathpur, where Sikandar recently constructed a new house. Police found the residence locked.
Human Trafficking Network Exposed; Illegal Madrasa Under Scrutiny
Police have registered two cases so far against Sikandar and his brother Abdul. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo operated an organized gang trafficking Bangladeshi nationals into India using forged documents. Many of these individuals were reportedly forced into low-paying labor jobs and subjected to physical assault, exploitation, and mistreatment.
Investigators also suspect that the gang ran an illegal madrasa, which may have received foreign funding. Police sources stated that Sikandar maintained contacts with individuals in Bangladesh, Qatar, and other countries. A separate probe has been launched to examine potential international links and funding patterns.
Verification Drive Underway in Jajpur District
Simultaneously, the verification of suspected Bangladeshi nationals hiding in various parts of Jajpur district has begun. Police launched raids across several police station limits following intelligence inputs indicating that a large number of Bangladeshi individuals had settled in the region.
In the Rasulpur block under Brahmabarada police limits, several people working as masons, hawkers, street-food vendors, and laborers—many reportedly from other districts or outside the state—have come under scrutiny. Police teams have initiated a systematic process of identity verification to determine their citizenship status.
Officials stated that the drive in Jajpur will continue over the next few days and will include door-to-door checks, questioning of employers, and verification of rental accommodations.
Tight Vigil in Bhadrak’s Coastal Belt; Fishing Vessels Under Inspection
In Bhadrak district, a crackdown is currently underway, particularly in areas under the Kasia Marine Police Station in Basudevpur block. Early Friday morning, police teams conducted detailed inspections at the Kasia fishing jetty—a key point for deep-sea boats.
Authorities are monitoring all fishing vessels leaving the coast, checking the identity documents of crew members and reviewing boat movement patterns. Sources indicated that the marine police are keeping a special watch over vessels suspected of transporting individuals without valid documents.
Statewide Operation Expected to Intensify
Police officials stated that the current operations are part of a coordinated statewide action to detect and detain foreign nationals staying illegally in Odisha. Similar crackdowns are being reported in other coastal districts, with an increased deployment of police, intelligence personnel, and administrative teams.
This major push follows the recent arrest of a suspected Bangladeshi national in Jagatsinghpur, which has triggered heightened surveillance across the state.
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