Bhubaneswar: In a significant push towards tightening internal and coastal security, the Odisha government has repatriated 49 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing illegally across different districts of the state. The action comes as part of an intensified identification and deportation drive launched soon after the formation of the BJP-led government.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a written statement tabled in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, informed that a total of 51 illegal Bangladeshi residents have been traced so far. Of these, 49 have already been sent back to Bangladesh, while the remaining two were found using forged passports and are currently facing criminal proceedings.
According to the data presented by the Chief Minister, Khordha district accounted for the highest number of detections with 24 persons, followed by Cuttack (15), Ganjam (6), Kandhamal (3) and Koraput (1). “All 49 identified Bangladeshi nationals have already been repatriated”, Majhi stated, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening detection and verification mechanisms across the state.
Task committee formed, Surveillance intensified
To accelerate identification and deportation, the state government has constituted a dedicated task committee that oversees the entire process—from detection and detention to repatriation. District Superintendents of Police have been instructed to enhance surveillance, conduct detailed background checks, and strengthen verification procedures in areas suspected to be vulnerable to illegal infiltration.
As part of the state’s structured approach, Odisha currently operates 18 district-level detention centers and two state-level centers to process such cases. Out of the 1,768 individuals whose documents were verified so far, 51 have been confirmed as Bangladeshi citizens residing illegally. Verification of another 50 suspected individuals is presently underway.
To aid the verification process, field officers are using a specially designed mobile application that allows real-time identification and tracking of potential infiltrators. Senior intelligence officials have also been making frequent visits to districts considered high-risk, particularly in coastal regions where cross-border movement is believed to be more frequent.
Coordination with national agencies improved
The Chief Minister further informed the Assembly that the state has strengthened coordination with national intelligence and border agencies to quicken the deportation process. The Border Security Force (BSF), West Bengal Intelligence, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs are actively supporting the state’s efforts to curb illegal immigration networks.
The issue gained renewed public attention last month after the arrest of a suspected Bangladeshi national in Jagatsinghpur district triggered tension in adjoining parts of Kendrapara. This prompted intensified checking drives across sensitive zones, including Duhuria, Garapur, Rajkanika, Pattamundai, Rajnagar, and Mahakalpada.
A major breakthrough came on November 22 when the Jagatsinghpur Police arrested Sikandar Alam—identified as the prime accused behind an organized network that facilitated shelter for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. After evading authorities for seven days, Sikandar and his brother Abdul Motalif Khan were tracked down in Jajpur district. They had been hiding at the residence of a local driver. The arrests marked a major success in the government’s crackdown on such illegal networks.
Earlier, Jagatsinghpur Police had registered a case against five individuals, including three women, for encroaching on government land and harboring suspicious elements. Two of the women arrested were Sikandar’s sisters.
Government steps up maritime security
Alongside its internal security measures, the state government is bolstering maritime protection to prevent infiltration through sea routes. Responding to a another question raised by MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Minister Majhi detailed a series of initiatives undertaken to strengthen the coastal defence framework.
Odisha has established 18 coastal police stations strategically located along its maritime border. To intensify surveillance across the coastline, Special Police Officers (SPOs) have been deployed on fishing boats, enabling security agencies to maintain an active presence even in remote stretches of the sea.
The government has also approved the deployment of five hovercrafts for patrolling shallow coastal zones and 15 Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs) to boost rapid response capability against infiltration, smuggling, and other maritime threats. In addition, four All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have been provided for beach patrolling, while 10 high-speed boats will be used for emergency rescues and swift operations.
Large-scale coastal security exercises such as Operation Sajag and Sagar Kavach are being conducted at regular intervals to test preparedness and coordination among maritime forces. These drills involve multiple agencies, including the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, and intelligence units.
For the fiscal year 2025–26, the state government has earmarked ₹26.194 crore specifically for the implementation of the coastal security plan.
Commitment to a safer, More secure Odisha
Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the State, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that Odisha is adopting a multi-layered approach—tightening internal verification systems, reinforcing detention and deportation mechanisms, and strengthening its maritime security infrastructure.
With coordinated efforts across districts, enhanced use of technology and stronger cooperation with national agencies, Odisha aims to curb illegal infiltration and ensure a more secure coastal and internal environment in the days ahead.
