Maharashtra's Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants: 16 Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested

Maharashtra police arrested 16 Bangladeshi nationals for staying illegally across five districts. The arrests were made as part of a special drive by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and local police, uncovering forged documents. Additional arrests in Thane revealed more nationals lacking proper paperwork and led to further legal action.

In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, Maharashtra police have detained 16 Bangladeshi nationals across Mumbai, Thane, and three other districts. This operation was part of an ongoing special drive by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in collaboration with local police units.

The arrests include nine Bangladeshi nationals apprehended from the regions of Mumbai, Nashik, Nanded, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar within the past four days. Officials revealed that the arrested individuals, comprised mainly of eight males and one female, had acquired Aadhaar cards through forged documents. As a result, five cases have been filed against them, invoking the Foreigners Act and other applicable laws.

Meanwhile, Thane police performed a raid in the Prerna Complex, Mankoli area, where seven more Bangladeshi nationals were discovered. Lacking valid documentation, these detainees, aged between 26 and 54, prompted an FIR under various legal statutes. Authorities confiscated mobile phones and other items worth Rs 35,000.

(With inputs from agencies.)