Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has intensified its ongoing drive against illegal immigration in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, leading to the deportation of 42 Bangladeshi nationals as part of a sustained enforcement operation.
Special Drive Launched to Curb Illegal Immigration
Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh on August 5 stated that the special drive, launched last year, aims to identify, verify, and take legal action against foreign nationals residing in the region without valid documentation. Acting on credible intelligence inputs, police teams conducted systematic verification processes, resulting in the identification of 48 Bangladeshi nationals across the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Urban Police District (UPD). Of these, 42 individuals have already been deported between July 2025 and March 2026.
Breakdown of Identified Individuals
According to official data, 32 individuals were identified in Bhubaneswar UPD, comprising 10 men, 17 women, and five children, including three girls. Of these, 26 were deported in three phases during the operation period. In Cuttack UPD, 16 individuals were identified, out of which 14 were deported in July 2025, one in August 2025, and another in July 2026.
Deportation Process and Coordination
The deportation process was carried out through coordinated efforts with central agencies. While one group of detainees was repatriated to Bangladesh via a special chartered flight, others were transported to designated transit points along the West Bengal border and handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for further processing and return.
Strict Adherence to Legal Procedures
Police officials confirmed that all deportations were conducted following due legal procedures and without any untoward incidents. The process included thorough verification of nationality, documentation checks, and adherence to established legal frameworks governing immigration and deportation.
Six More Awaiting Deportation
Meanwhile, six additional individuals identified as Bangladeshi nationals are currently being held at the state holding centre in Athagarh. Authorities said that administrative formalities for their deportation are underway and will be completed soon.
No Leniency Against Violations: Commissioner
Commissioner Singh emphasised that the crackdown would continue in the coming days, with strict vigilance maintained across the Commissionerate Police jurisdiction. “Wherever information regarding illegal immigration is received, it is promptly verified, and necessary action is taken as per law. There will be no leniency towards violations of immigration regulations,” he said.
Public Cooperation Sought
He also urged residents of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible information about suspected cases of illegal residence. At the same time, he assured that all actions would be based on proper verification and carried out strictly in accordance with legal provisions.
Part of Broader Security Strategy
Officials noted that the ongoing operation is part of a broader strategy to strengthen internal security and ensure compliance with immigration laws through systematic identification and monitoring of foreign nationals. Continued coordination with central agencies and the BSF is expected to enhance the effectiveness of such drives and enable timely detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
The Commissionerate Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order while upholding due process, as the state intensifies its efforts to address illegal immigration in urban areas.
