Mumbai: The Mumbai Police continue their crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in different parts of the city. In a recent case, two Bangladeshi nationals residing with fake Indian documents were arrested from Jogeshwari. Intelligence inputs regarding a surge in illegal infiltration from Bangladesh due to political unrest prompted Mumbai Police to intensify operations. Since the end of last year, police have arrested 430 Bangladeshi nationals, most of whom were found with forged Indian documents.
Fake Documents from West Bengal:
The arrested infiltrators confessed that fake Indian documents were procured from West Bengal through a network of agents.
Route to Mumbai:
Most Bangladeshi immigrants entered Mumbai via Howrah trains, using fraudulent documents to settle and work.
West Bengal as a Hub:
Investigations indicate that West Bengal has become a hotspot for forging documents used by infiltrators.
Lack of Cooperation from West Bengal Police:
Despite Mumbai Police sharing intelligence inputs with West Bengal Police, there has been no significant action against the agents running the racket. Political tensions between Maharashtra and West Bengal further complicate the issue. While Maharashtra BJP leader Kirit Somaiya is actively demanding action against illegal immigrants, West Bengal’s TMC-led government has shown reluctance to cooperate.
Bangladeshi Infiltration Modus Operandi:
Illegal immigrants first enter West Bengal through various land routes. Agents in Bengal provide them with fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents for a fee of ₹2,000–₹3,000 per person. They are then transported to Mumbai via Howrah Express, where they blend in using forged identities. Agents charge ₹20,000–₹30,000 per person for illegal border crossings.
Saif Ali Khan Attack Case:
Arrested suspect Shariful Islam Shahzad followed a similar route, entering Tripura first, obtaining fake documents in West Bengal, and eventually settling in Mumbai.
Mumbai Police have been actively arresting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in different parts of the city. According to the latest statistics, from 2024 to March 15, 2025, a total of 430 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested, out of which 175 have been deported.
In 2023, Mumbai Police arrested 368 Bangladeshi immigrants, and 65 were deported. In 2022, 139 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested, and 21 were sent back to Bangladesh. Many of the remaining detainees are either serving jail terms or are awaiting deportation. Investigations have also revealed that some previously deported individuals have re-entered India illegally and were caught again. Mumbai Police are working continuously to dismantle the forgery and infiltration networks facilitating illegal immigration.
Several arrested immigrants remain in jail or are undergoing deportation procedures. Some previously deported immigrants have re-entered India illegally and were re-arrested. Mumbai Police remain on high alert and are actively pursuing the infiltration network. Further investigations are underway to track and dismantle the agents involved in document forgery.