Detained ‘Bangladeshis’ transferred to Tripura; Push-backs likely
PARBATTA NEWS DESK
Several individuals identified as “Bangladeshi nationals” by Indian authorities have been transferred to Tripura, raising the possibility of renewed push-back operations into Bangladesh, BBC Bangla reports.
Following the recent militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, law enforcement agencies across various Indian states have intensified operations to locate alleged illegal entrants. As part of this effort, individuals suspected of residing unlawfully in India have been detained, including Bengali-speaking Muslims. Reports indicate that some of those detained may in fact be Indian citizens.
According to BBC Bangla, 148 detainees labeled as “illegal Bangladeshis” were flown on Wednesday from Jodhpur Airport to Agartala on a special flight arranged by Indian authorities. Airport officials in Agartala confirmed the aircraft’s arrival at approximately 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time.
Local officials believe the transferred individuals may be subjected to push-back across the Bangladesh-India border.
Earlier, 72 individuals were reportedly pushed into Bangladesh through border points in Matiranga, Shantipur, and Panchhari in Khagrachhari, which borders Tripura.
Local Bangladeshi administration officials confirmed that these individuals were forced into the territory without official entry procedures.
Additional push-in incidents have also been reported in recent weeks along the Kurigram, Sylhet, and Moulvibazar borders.
BBC Bangla also reported that large-scale detentions had previously taken place in Gujarat, where police began the process of identifying and repatriating individuals they identified as “illegal Bangladeshis.”
In Rajasthan, ongoing detentions have included Bengali-speaking Muslims from West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya. Concerns have been raised about potential misidentification of Indian citizens in these operations.
The volunteer group Porijayi Sramik Oikya Mancha (Migrant Workers Solidarity Forum) said they have received over 200 complaints in recent days from Bengali-speaking Indian Muslims detained in Rajasthan. Many of the detainees allegedly had their phones confiscated and were taken to undisclosed locations.
Asif Farooq, the group’s state secretary, stated: “We have contacted several police stations in Rajasthan and managed to trace some of the detainees. However, many families still do not know where their relatives are being held.”
One such case involves Shafiqul Sheikh, a resident of Nadia district in West Bengal, whom Rajasthan police have allegedly detained for over a week. According to the organization, he has been moved to a detention facility in Amer.
Police authorities have stated that individuals are being held temporarily for identity verification with their places of origin. However, concerns have been raised regarding legal compliance.
“It is a legal requirement to produce a detainee before a court within 24 hours of arrest. How can the police justify detaining individuals for seven to ten days without judicial oversight?” Mr. Farooq questioned.
