Bhubaneswar: Police officials confirmed that three Bangladeshi nationals, who had been living illegally in Kendrapara district for several decades, were deported to Bangladesh last month following orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to police, the three individuals were living in Garapur village, located on the outskirts of Kendrapara town, without valid citizenship documents. They were identified as Muntaz Khan (65), Insan Khan (59) and Amina Bibi (70). All three were reportedly residing in the district for more than 40 years.
Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria said the trio was detained on November 18 last year after failing to produce valid proof of Indian citizenship during verification. “All three were found to be staying illegally in Garapur village. After their detention and completion of legal formalities, they were deported to Bangladesh by the Union government on December 24, in accordance with MHA guidelines”, the SP said.
Police officials stated that although the individuals were in possession of Aadhaar cards, photo identity cards and other documents, these were not considered valid proof of Indian citizenship under the law. Further verification confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality, following which deportation proceedings were initiated.
The SP added that action against illegal immigrants residing in the district would continue. “A special police team has been constituted to identify, trace and take legal action against foreign nationals staying illegally without valid documents. Detection, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi nationals, is an ongoing process and is crucial from a national security perspective”, Kataria said.
Officials noted that the police have intensified their drive to identify illegal migrants across the district. The exercise involves verification of identity documents, residential records and coordination with intelligence agencies and central authorities to ensure lawful action.
The issue of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration has remained a significant concern in Odisha. During a review meeting in Kendrapara on June 9 last year, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had directed district administrations and police to take strict legal measures against illegal immigrants.
In March last year, the Chief Minister informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly that 3,738 Bangladeshi infiltrators had been identified across the state. Kendrapara accounted for the highest number at 1,649, followed by Jagatsinghpur (1,112), Malkangiri (655), Bhadrak (199), Nabarangpur (106) and Bhubaneswar (17).
In another written statement tabled in the Assembly on December 3, the Chief Minister said 51 illegal Bangladeshi residents had been traced so far, of whom 49 have been deported, while two were found using forged passports and are currently facing criminal proceedings. Authorities reiterated that the verification and deportation process will continue in a phased manner to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard national security.
