Bilaspur: A 42-year-old Bangladeshi national, who allegedly entered India illegally in 2005 and subsequently lived in Bilaspur for nearly two decades using Indian identity documents, has been arrested by a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and the District Special Branch, police said.
The accused, identified as Atiq Hussain, a native of Narayanganj district in Bangladesh, was arrested from a rented house in Surya Vihar Colony under the Sarkanda police station area at around 5 am on September 24. Police said the process to deport him to Bangladesh has been initiated and he has been shifted to a holding centre in Raipur.
Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh said the STF has been conducting a continuous verification drive to identify suspected illegal immigrants and persons whose identity or documentation requires further scrutiny.
Entered India in 2005, Stayed in Tamil Nadu Before Moving to Bilaspur
During questioning, Hussain allegedly told investigators that he entered India from Bangladesh in 2005. According to the police, he stayed in Tamil Nadu between 2005 and 2007 before moving to Bilaspur.
After reaching Bilaspur, he reportedly began working with BECO Lifts Private Limited, which was associated with lift maintenance work at NTPC Sipat. Police said he remained engaged in the work for nearly 19 years.
Investigators are now examining his employment records, movements and other activities during his long stay in the country. They are also verifying the circumstances under which he secured employment and whether his alleged foreign identity was known to any of the people associated with his workplace.
Multiple Indian Identity Documents Recovered
Police said a search of Hussain’s rented accommodation resulted in the recovery of several documents allegedly showing him as an Indian citizen. The documents reportedly include an Indian passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter identity card, driving licence, residence certificate, caste certificate and a Class IX marksheet.
According to police, Hussain allegedly admitted during questioning that some of the documents had been obtained through fraudulent means. The authorities are now verifying the authenticity and issuing records of each document with the concerned departments.
Police said Hussain allegedly obtained a residence certificate and caste certificate through contacts associated with the Lingiyadih gram panchayat. Investigators also suspect that he used the name of a private school in the Mangla area to obtain a Class IX marksheet that was allegedly fabricated.
The police are investigating the persons who may have assisted him in obtaining the documents and are also examining whether similar documents were allegedly arranged for other individuals.
Indian Passport Allegedly Obtained in 2018
Investigators said Hussain allegedly obtained an Indian passport in 2018 and subsequently secured other identity documents, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card and voter ID.
The authorities are examining the records submitted during the applications and the verification procedures followed at the time the documents were issued. They are also checking whether any forged or fabricated records were used to establish his identity, address or other particulars.
Police are further verifying whether Hussain used the voter identity card reportedly issued from Lingiyadih to cast his vote.
Officials said appropriate action would be considered against anyone found to have knowingly assisted in the preparation or procurement of fraudulent documents.
Had Escaped During Earlier Police Verification
The arrest came nearly 20 days after Hussain was reportedly identified during a verification exercise in the Sirgitti area. Police had been questioning a number of suspected persons as part of the exercise when Hussain allegedly managed to leave the location.
Following his disappearance, the STF intensified efforts to trace him. Inspector Sanjay Shinde reportedly received information that Hussain was hiding somewhere in the Sarkanda area.
The police team subsequently gathered information about his suspected movements and possible hideouts. After identifying the rented accommodation in Surya Vihar Colony, officers monitored the location and conducted further verification before carrying out the early-morning operation on September 24.
The operation resulted in Hussain’s arrest without further incident.
Possible Link With 23 Suspects Being Examined
Investigators are also examining whether Hussain’s case is connected with the detention and questioning of 23 suspected persons during the earlier operation in the Sirgitti area.
According to officials, the verification exercise involved questioning and checking the identities of several persons, during which one suspect reportedly fled. The STF and other agencies are now examining the circumstances surrounding the group.
Investigators are particularly focusing on the documents recovered from Hussain and whether there was any organised mechanism through which foreign nationals could obtain Indian identity papers.
Police Examining Contacts and Activities
The authorities are also examining Hussain’s contacts and activities during his prolonged stay in Bilaspur. Investigators are seeking information about the people with whom he remained in contact, his communications, employment history and movements.
Police are also examining reports that a possible espionage angle is being looked into. At this stage, this remains an aspect of the investigation and has not been established as a finding. Authorities are conducting verification to determine whether there is any evidence supporting such a possibility.
Investigators are also trying to establish how Hussain allegedly remained in India for such an extended period without his claimed foreign nationality being detected, despite his possession of multiple Indian identity documents.
Family Background Being Verified
Police said Hussain’s parents, four sisters and two brothers are currently living in Dhaka. He had married Alia Parveen of Manendragarh, but the couple reportedly divorced in 2023. They do not have children.
Investigators are expected to examine his family background and may question his former wife as part of the inquiry into his movements, contacts and personal history.
Authorities are also checking whether Hussain maintained regular communication with relatives or other persons in Bangladesh during his stay in India.
Deportation Process Initiated
Following his arrest, Hussain was shifted to a holding centre in Raipur. Police said the process for his deportation to Bangladesh has been initiated, subject to the required verification and legal procedures.
At the same time, the authorities are continuing to verify the identity documents recovered from his residence and the circumstances under which they were allegedly obtained.
SSP Rajnesh Singh said the investigation would also focus on persons who may have helped Hussain obtain the allegedly fraudulent documents. Investigators are examining whether the same individuals may have assisted others in obtaining similar documents.
The police are coordinating with relevant departments to establish the authenticity of the documents and determine the responsibility of those involved, if any.
Police Appeal to Citizens to Report Suspicious Activities
Police have launched a toll-free helpline for citizens to report suspected illegal immigration and other suspicious activities.
Authorities are urging citizens to share any relevant information with the police through this designated helpline.
The police stated that the verification drive to identify illegal immigrants and individuals residing in the country without valid documents will continue.
Officials emphasised that citizens should report their concerns to the police and other competent authorities for verification, rather than confronting or attempting to investigate suspected individuals themselves.
