Tamil Nadu Police and its intelligence apparatus failed to identify, monitor, or take action despite directives from the Centre to trace all foreign nationals including those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar (Rohingyas) and deport those overstaying their visas. It was a special team from Delhi that ultimately arrested 33 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing illegally in the Mangadu and Kundrathur areas.
A major breakthrough by the Delhi Police in 2024 led to the arrest of 33 illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in Tamil Nadu’s Mangadu and Kundrathur areas. The operation followed the arrest of one Sand Miya in Delhi, who was found to be in possession of forged documents, including Aadhaar cards and passports.
During interrogation, Sand Miya revealed the presence of a network of illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in Chennai. Acting on this input, a Delhi Police team launched an investigation which confirmed that several individuals from Bangladesh had been residing illegally in the state. Most of them were engaged in rag-picking and had been living in the city for over a year.
With substantial evidence in hand, the team air-dashed to Chennai and conducted a coordinated operation resulting in the arrest of 33 illegal immigrants. The police also began questioning them to uncover how they obtained identity documents like Aadhaar cards, how they managed to enter and stay in Tamil Nadu without detection, and whether they received assistance from any individuals or organisations involved in illegal activities.
Among the 33 Bangladeshi nationals arrested for illegally residing in Tamil Nadu, several include women, elderly individuals, and children. The Delhi Police team, which carried out the operation, is now focusing on identifying those who provided shelter and support to the group during their stay in Chennai.
The arrested individuals have been temporarily lodged at a community welfare centre in Kolappakkam near Mangadu, where heavy police security has been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
According to intelligence inputs, Tamil Nadu is also home to over 200 Pakistani nationals, most of whom are believed to be residing in Chennai. These individuals are reportedly in the state for medical treatment or professional engagements. Authorities are now reviewing the legal status and activities of foreign nationals in the state amid growing concerns over enforcement lapses.
#BREAKING || குடியுரிமை அதிகாரிகள் கணக்கெடுப்பின் படி தமிழகத்தில் 200 பாகிஸ்தானியர்கள் இருப்பதாக தகவல்
200 பேரில் பெரும்பாலானவர்கள் சென்னையில் இருப்பதாக தகவல்
தொழில் மற்றும் மருத்துவ சிகிச்சைக்காக வந்திருப்பவர்களை வெளியேற்ற நடவடிக்கை
நாடு முழுவதிலும் இருந்து பாகிஸ்தானியர்கள்… pic.twitter.com/3SLbbjXWMS
— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) April 25, 2025
In a startling revelation, Madras High Court Judge Justice Dhandapani disclosed that over 46,000 foreign nationals have overstayed their visas in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted that many of these individuals are employed in local industrial units across Chennai, Tirupur, Coimbatore, and other districts.
The judge stated that the overstaying foreigners hail from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and several African nations. He voiced serious concern over the potential rise in crimes committed by individuals staying illegally, stressing the urgent need for strict enforcement of immigration laws.
Speaking at a function focused on addressing crimes against women, Justice Dhandapani emphasized, “There is a growing threat of crimes committed by foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas. Immediate and coordinated action must be taken to identify and deport them to their respective countries on a war footing.”
The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a fiery exchange between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami over the state’s law and order situation. The debate intensified over the incident involving sewage and human excreta being dumped outside YouTuber Savukku Shankar’s residence — a case that was transferred to the CBCID without an FIR being registered.
Defending the government’s action, CM Stalin informed the House that eight people involved in the incident were arrested within 48 hours, showcasing prompt police response. However, EPS accused the DMK government of weakening the police force, claiming that crimes had increased significantly under its rule.
Countering the allegation, Stalin stated, “In the past 12 years, the murder rate was the lowest in 2024. While the national average of murders per one lakh population is 2.2, Tamil Nadu’s average stands at just 1.1. Moreover, there have been no custodial deaths in the state since 2022.”
A discussion on crimes against women in the Tamil Nadu Assembly took a controversial turn when senior minister Durai Murugan remarked that even in the Ramayana, women were abducted, implying that evil forces exist in every society. His comments, made on April 28, drew sharp criticism, including condemnation from the Hindu Munnani.
The debate began when BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan raised concerns over the rising crimes against women in the state. “Tamil Nadu should not be compared to North Indian states, but to advanced nations like those in Scandinavia. I fear that Tamil Nadu is no longer the peaceful land it once was,” she said, stressing the need for stricter safety measures.
Responding to her, Durai Murugan said, “There will be evil forces everywhere. Even in the Ramayana, women were abducted. But in every such incident, we have acted swiftly.” His reference to the epic drew strong backlash, with Hindu Munnani calling the remarks disrespectful to Hindu sentiments.
Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan, meanwhile, clarified that of the 5,319 rape cases registered, over 4,700 involved the marriage of minor girls and did not fall under conventional rape cases. She noted that these were often linked to social issues and not criminal assaults in all cases.
Law Minister S. Raghupathy also defended the government, stating, “Compared to North Indian states, crimes against women are significantly lower in Tamil Nadu. The state remains largely peaceful.”
ராமாயண காலத்தில் பெண்களை கடத்தினார்கள்.
திமுக அமைச்சர் துரைமுருகனின் ஏளன பேச்சு..!!இந்து மதத்தை மட்டுமே தொடர்ந்து இழிபடுத்தும் திமுகவினர் திருந்தவே மாட்டார்களா..?
இராமாயண காலத்தில் பெண்ணை கடத்திய இராவணனை ஸ்ரீராமன் அழித்தார்…
இராவணனின் வாரிசு எனக்கூறிக்கொள்ளும் திமுக… pic.twitter.com/QB7veS0yK1
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) April 29, 2025
Joining the issue BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan raised concerns about the rise of religious extremist activities in the state, citing intelligence reports warning of youth being influenced by terrorist outfits like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. She highlighted districts such as Tirupur, Coimbatore, and Erode as areas witnessing suspicious movements, particularly of Bangladeshi nationals, raising security concerns.
Responding sharply, TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai joined the debate and controversially remarked, “The only terrorist organisation present in Tamil Nadu is the Sangh Parivar,” drawing criticism from the BJP benches.
Vanathi reiterated that the concerns were not speculative but based on official police reports, which confirmed that measures were being taken to monitor vulnerable regions and prevent criminal activity. “The government must take these alerts seriously. The safety of our citizens is paramount,” she said.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin defended the state’s law and order, asserting that no Kashmir-like terrorist incidents would be allowed in Tamil Nadu. “Tell me one place in Tamil Nadu where there has been a communal clash,” he challenged. A BJP MLA responded by citing the Coimbatore car bomb blast.
CM Stalin further stated, “We are not here to discuss the security lapses of the Modi-led central government. But when it comes to national security, we will stand united with the Centre, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.”
According to data presented in the Police Explanatory Note by the Tamil Nadu Police Department, crimes, particularly those against women and children, have seen a sharp rise in 2024. In 2023, Tamil Nadu recorded 3,407 POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases and 1,174 other cases. However, these figures surged in 2024 to 5,319 and 1,650, respectively, marking an increase of 149 more crimes.
Crimes against women, including sexual assault attempts, abduction, harassment by husbands and in-laws, and dowry deaths, are becoming increasingly concerning. In 2024, the police registered 6,969 POCSO cases, up from 4,581 in 2023 and 4,986 in 2022. The increase from 2022 to 2023 and the continued rise in 2024 highlight a worrying trend.
The AIADMK, referencing a statement by the Tamil Nadu DGP, pointed out that there were 340 murders in the state between January and March 2024. The opposition party alleged that under the DMK government, there has been a daily rise in murders, crimes against women, and robberies, severely impacting public safety and the general population.
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