Twenty-five “Bangladeshi nationals” were detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) while allegedly attempting to return to Bangladesh through an unfenced border. A middleman, who is an Indian national, was also arrested for allegedly attempting to facilitate their illegal entry into Bangladesh.
They were initially detained in Lohaganj Panchanagar area of Maligaon Gram Panchayat in Kushmandi block of South Dinajpur district early Tuesday. They were reportedly attempting to enter Bangladesh’s Thakurgaon district.
After being spotted by locals, they tried to hide in a paddy field, but BSF troops later arrived at the scene. The group was then taken to a local BSF camp for questioning.
According to locals, the suspected Bangladeshis had travelled to Kashmir for work. They had allegedly entered India illegally some time ago and had been working in Kashmir.
Local residents also claimed that they did not have valid documents to enter India. They said the group had contacted Bablu Roy, a resident of Kajaltor area in Gangarampur, to arrange their return to Bangladesh. The “Bangladeshis” then gathered at Kadamtala in Panchanagar through the middleman.
Early Tuesday, locals became suspicious after seeing so many unfamiliar people gathered in the area. After questioning them, they informed the BSF.
Subsequently, BSF personnel arrived at the scene, took the 25 people into custody and detained Bablu as well.
Police and the BSF have launched an investigation into the incident. Police officials declined to comment on whether the Bangladeshis would be sent back or where they would be taken.
The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata said it was looking into the matter. It is also trying to obtain a list from the district administration of the total number of Bangladeshis detained.
A few months ago, West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari said that Bangladeshis entering India would be sent to detention centres, from where the BSF would coordinate with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to arrange their return to Bangladesh.
