Highlighting concerns over illegal infiltration and border security, Mumbai Police have arrested a Bangladeshi couple who had previously been deported to Bangladesh for residing illegally in India. The couple was apprehended from Mumbai’s Dadar-Bhoiwada area after authorities received specific intelligence regarding the presence of two foreign nationals residing in the city without valid documents.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Litan Shohid Mulla (43) and his wife Papi Begum (37), residents of Noakhali district in Bangladesh. According to police investigations, the couple had earlier been deported to Bangladesh on July 14, 2025, following action initiated by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) and the Special Branch of Mumbai Police.
However, despite being sent back to their home country, the duo managed to return to India through an illegal route and resumed living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Tip-off leads police to Dadar’s Bhoiwada
According to police officials, authorities received a tip-off that two Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally were staying in the Bhoiwada area of Dadar.
Acting on the information, a police team laid a trap and began surveillance in the locality. During the operation, officers spotted a couple matching the description provided by the informant.
Police said the couple attempted to leave the area hurriedly after noticing police personnel, which further aroused suspicion. Officers intercepted and questioned them regarding their identity and residential status.
Initially, the couple gave evasive responses. However, sustained interrogation reportedly led them to admit that they were Bangladeshi nationals who had been living illegally in Mumbai.
Re-entered India through illegal jungle route
During questioning, the accused disclosed that they had re-entered India approximately five months ago after crossing the international border through a jungle route.
Investigators said the couple claimed they had travelled through an unauthorised and illegal cross-border passage before making their way back to Maharashtra.
The revelation has raised serious concerns among security agencies regarding the existence of active infiltration channels and the ease with which previously deported foreign nationals can return to India.
Officials are now attempting to reconstruct the route used by the couple and determine how they managed to evade border surveillance and immigration checks.
Living in Navi Mumbai after returning
Police investigations revealed that after re-entering India, the couple had been residing in the Koparkhairane area of Navi Mumbai.
Authorities suspect that they may have received logistical assistance in finding accommodation and blending into local communities despite having no legal status in the country.
Investigators are examining whether the couple was acting independently or was aided by a broader network involved in facilitating illegal migration and providing shelter to undocumented foreign nationals.
Bangladeshi identity documents recovered
During the investigation, police examined the mobile phones seized from the accused and reportedly recovered Bangladeshi identity documents stored digitally.
Officials said the phones contained identity cards indicating that both individuals were citizens of Bangladesh and residents of Noakhali district.
In addition, investigators found communication records showing regular contact with several Bangladesh-based phone numbers.
The call records are now being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation to establish the couple’s movements, contacts, and potential support network after their return to India.
No passport, visa or travel documents
Police officials stated that neither of the accused was able to produce any valid passport, visa, residential permit, or legal travel document authorising their entry into India or their stay in the country.
The absence of such documents strengthened suspicions that the couple had entered India through unauthorised channels rather than through designated immigration checkpoints.
Authorities are also examining whether forged documents were used at any stage of their movement or whether local facilitators assisted them in avoiding legal scrutiny.
Previously deported by Mumbai authorities
Preliminary inquiries conducted by the police established that the same couple had been deported to Bangladesh in July 2025.
At that time, action had been initiated by the Foreigners Registration Office and the Special Branch after authorities determined that the duo was residing illegally in India.
Their return within months of deportation has prompted questions regarding cross-border infiltration routes and the effectiveness of mechanisms intended to prevent re-entry by deported foreign nationals.
Case registered under immigration laws
Following their arrest, Bhoiwada Police registered a case against the couple under relevant provisions of the Immigration Act pertaining to illegal entry into India and unlawful residence without valid travel or immigration documents.
Officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing and several aspects of the case are being examined.
Police are now focusing on identifying the route used by the couple to cross into India and whether a larger organised network assisted them.
Investigators are examining possible links with agents, transporters, document facilitators, and others who may have played a role in helping the duo return to Mumbai after deportation.
Authorities believe that uncovering the network, if one exists, could provide crucial insights into ongoing illegal migration channels operating along the India-Bangladesh border.
Further investigation is underway.
