Commissionerate Police Crack Down on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar:  In a significant move to bolster internal security, the Commissionerate Police has launched a coordinated crackdown to identify and take action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena has issued directives to all police stations to compile detailed data on undocumented foreigners, particularly Bangladeshi nationals, within their jurisdictions and initiate strict legal action against those without valid documentation.

The orders were given during a crime control review meeting held at Bharatpur Police Station on Sunday, where internal security concerns took center stage.

“It is imperative to trace how these individuals entered the city, the nature of their activities, and whether they hold legitimate identification. Those unable to furnish valid documents will face immediate action,” DCP Meena stated.

According to police sources, past investigations have linked illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to several criminal activities in Bhubaneswar. Recently, police arrested ten Bangladeshi nationals, including a middleman, near the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, raising concerns over potential covert operations and the possibility of sensitive information being passed to hostile entities.

The Commissionerate Police also plans to monitor the social media activities of suspected individuals to detect any subversive or illegal behavior.

In addition to this crackdown, DCP Meena directed officers to maintain strict surveillance on jail-returned criminals and habitual offenders, as part of a broader crime control strategy.

If any Bangladeshi nationals are found residing illegally, they will be arrested and either deported or handed over to the Bangladesh Embassy, police confirmed.

One of the key challenges in this operation is the lack of reliable data on the exact number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the state. While state government estimates place the figure at around 1.5 lakh, nearly 4,500 individuals are believed to be living without documentation. However, unofficial figures suggest the number may be significantly higher, particularly in Khurda, Cuttack, and Puri districts.

In Bhubaneswar and its surrounding areas, many Bangladeshi immigrants are reportedly employed in house construction, scrap collection, and street vending. Their unverified identities and unchecked movement have raised serious concerns for law enforcement and security agencies.

Previously, even the Law Minister had called for a state-wide identification drive to detect and take action against such illegal immigrants, citing national security implications.

The Commissionerate Police has vowed to intensify its efforts in the coming weeks to safeguard the city from potential threats posed by undocumented foreign nationals.