Cannot live like this, says West Bengal man detained again in ‘illegal immigrants’ drive

Rafikul Biswas, a 32-year-old man from West Bengal, has been detained again in Bengaluru as part of a drive against illegal immigrants. Four days ago, the High Court of Karnataka ruled that the EPIC (voter card) issued to him following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal was genuine. Despite this, Rafikul found himself back in jail when the Bengaluru City police launched "Operation Mukta".

Rafikul, who has been living in Bengaluru for the past 12 years with his wife and daughter, pleaded with the police to show them the High Court order that quashed his case. However, he was again detained on August 8, 2026. "I consistently pleaded with the police, showing a copy of the High Court order that had quashed my case. It is better I die. I cannot live under this pressure and stress to prove that I am an Indian," he expressed.

The harassment began when someone created a fake Bangladeshi identity card in his name. This led to constant pressure and threats of deportation to Bangladesh. Rafikul, who has been working as a school bus driver, lost his job once the allegations surfaced. Now, he collects scrap to make a living, living in constant fear of being deported.

Rafikul's family history was thoroughly investigated, and despite showing all possible documents, he was still detained. He questioned the treatment he has faced, asking, "What does it take to prove that we are Indians?" His story highlights the ongoing persecution of individuals in Bengaluru based on their perceived foreign origins.