Assam Police have apprehended Bangladeshi nationals in two separate operations in Guwahati, according to police officials.
In the first operation, five Bangladeshi nationals — four women and one man — were apprehended during routine checking at Guwahati railway station. Police said they were found in the general coach of the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express and were travelling towards Maharashtra.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Five Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended during checking at Guwahati railway station.
A separate hotel operation resulted in the apprehension of 13 more.
The second group included four men, four women and five children.
Four Indian nationals were arrested in connection with the alleged facilitation of the first group.
Legal proceedings for expulsion have been initiated under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
According to police, the five had entered India through the Meghalaya border by land without valid travel or identity documents. During questioning, police said they disclosed that they were Bangladeshi nationals and were travelling to Mumbai in search of work.
Police subsequently registered a case against the owner and staff of the hotel where the group had reportedly stayed, alleging that they had facilitated the group's stay and movement. Four persons were arrested in connection with that case.
In a separate operation on October 7, the Border Branch of the Guwahati Police Commissionerate raided a hotel following specific information and apprehended 13 more Bangladeshi nationals, comprising four men, four women and five children.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The operations form part of Assam Police action against foreign nationals allegedly staying or travelling in India without valid documents.
Police said the second group had arrived in Guwahati from Delhi and intended to return to Bangladesh. During questioning, they reportedly stated that they had been staying in the Srinagar area for several years.
Police have initiated legal proceedings for the expulsion of the apprehended foreign nationals under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950. Further investigation into the cases and alleged facilitation network is underway.
