Mumbai Police has provided exclusive information to Appearnews regarding the ongoing crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. According to the police, 300 illegal Bangladeshi migrants have been deported, and 766 individuals have been arrested this year alone. In this critical operation, several Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants, who identify as residents of West Bengal, are also under suspicion.
Rising Concerns of Innocent Bengali-Speaking Migrants
Among those caught up in the police’s scrutiny are people like Mohammad Amin Sheikh, a resident of West Bengal, who has been living with his family in Mumbai for the past 47 years. Despite having all the necessary documents, he faces frequent questioning due to speaking Bengali, which often leads authorities to mistake him for a Bangladeshi national.
Mohammad Amin Sheikh shared his frustration, stating, “I have all the required papers, but every time I speak Bengali, I am assumed to be Bangladeshi. I have been questioned twice by the police.” He explained that despite his legal status, the language barrier keeps him under suspicion.
Similarly, Saleem Sheikh, also from West Bengal, works as a laborer in Mumbai. Saleem too finds himself repeatedly questioned in the police’s search for illegal Bangladeshi migrants. He explained, “I have been questioned twice by the police. They call me whenever they need information. It’s a difficult situation, but I have to comply.”
Calls for Action Against Fraudulent Documents, Not Workers
Saidul Sheikh, another migrant from West Bengal, expressed his discontent with the situation. He emphasized that the focus should be on cracking down on the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals and those involved in producing fake documents, not hardworking laborers like him.
Saidul Sheikh, who hails from Howrah, shared his experience of being questioned multiple times. He stated, “I had to take my family to the police station for verification, and after talking to my family, they let me go. But I continue to be under suspicion.”
However, all of them agreed that action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is necessary for national security and to maintain public order.
Maharashtra Government Assures Fair Action
The Maharashtra government has reassured the public that their actions are only targeting those who have illegally settled in the state. Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, confirmed that under Devendra Fadnavis’ government, no injustice will be done to any legal family. “Our government will not target any legitimate family. Devendra Fadnavis, our Chief Minister and Home Minister, is personally ensuring that action is taken against only illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators,” Bawankule stated. He further stressed, “No action will be taken against genuine residents; the focus is only on illegal migrants.”
300 Deported, 766 Arrested, and Ration Cards Canceled
Satyanarayan Chaudhary, Commissioner of Mumbai Police Law and Order, provided exclusive insights to Appearnews, revealing the scale of the operation. Following the Pahalgam attack, 300 illegal Bangladeshi migrants have been deported, and 766 individuals living illegally in the state have been arrested this year.
As part of a broader crackdown, Maharashtra authorities have also canceled 18 lakh ration cards until May 18, 2025. Many of the affected cardholders are suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in the state. The most significant impact of this action has been seen in Mumbai, where 4.8 lakh ration cards were canceled.
National Security Concerns Amidst Terrorism and Crime
The ongoing action against illegal Bangladeshi migrants is seen as a critical measure in addressing national security issues, especially amid the fight against terrorism and crime. Authorities have emphasized the importance of tackling the issue of illegal migration, particularly in sensitive areas like Mumbai.
In the midst of these investigations, Bengali-speaking Muslim residents of West Bengal are maintaining patience, understanding the importance of security measures and cooperating with the authorities during the verification process.
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