Khar Police Book Man For Allegedly Facilitating Illegal Stay Of Five Bangladeshi Nationals In Mumbai’s Bandra

Mumbai's Khar police have filed a case against a 35-year-old man, Iqbal Akbarali Shaikh alias Gautam Sunil Dutta, for allegedly aiding the unlawful entry and prolonged stay of five Bangladeshi nationals in India. The incident unfolded following a police operation in Bandra, where six suspected Bangladeshi nationals were detained and questioned.

According to the FIR, Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Manohar Chintaman Khandvi and his team spotted three men and three women acting suspiciously near the Bandra traffic chowky on S.V. Road around 3 pm on September 29. Among the detained individuals were Iqbal Shaikh alias Gautam Dutta, Rana Molla Imdadul Molla, Samim Mizanur Sardar, Halima Akhtar, Mosamod Munjila Khatun, and Mafuja Akhtar Lima Mohammad Hasham Kazi.

The six were residing in Mira-Bhayandar and admitted during interrogation that they originated from Bangladesh. They lacked valid passports, travel documents, or visas required for legally entering or staying in India. Police discovered mobile phones and documents indicating Bangladeshi citizenship during searches. Iqbal had allegedly been residing in India illegally for over five years, and Halima entered India six months ago with his assistance.

Rana, Samim, Mosamod, and Mafuja entered India from Bangladesh on September 20 without proper travel documents or visas, stating that associates of Iqbal helped them cross the border and provided accommodation and employment assistance. The five detained nationals are being processed for deportation/removal under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, while restriction orders are sought until the process concludes.