Bengaluru police launch drive to identify, deport illegal immigrants

The Bengaluru city police launched a special drive on Saturday to identify and deport illegal immigrants in the city. Detentions were made during the operation, which covered over 30 locations in the eastern and southeastern parts of Bengaluru. The police checked the backgrounds, nationality, and identity documents of 1,909 suspected persons.

Among the detainees were 15 individuals from Bagerhat and Khulna in Bangladesh, who were allegedly staying illegally in the city without valid visas or citizenship documents. The 15 detainees have been detained under applicable laws, and their verified documents are being submitted to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for deportation proceedings.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Whitefield, Saidulu Adavath, confirmed that the police visited nearly 30 locations in his jurisdiction. Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that over 1,000 illegal immigrants had been found in the last three months, and a dedicated team would be formed if necessary. However, civil liberties groups such as the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) have protested the drive, claiming it is "illegal and constitutionally impermissible."

They argue that the police conducted verifications, checked private messages, and seized phones, which they believe is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The unions demand the immediate release of the detained individuals.