Assam Police on Friday said they had detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals during an anti-infiltration operation at Jogamaya Ferry Ghat in Dhubri district, following a specific intelligence tip-off.
Dhubri Senior Superintendent of Police Debasish Borah told reporters that all 36 individuals had been identified as Bangladeshi nationals and that no Indian citizens were among those detained.
Police said they were questioning the group to establish how they entered India, whether traffickers or middlemen facilitated their movement, and where they were planning to go.
According to preliminary information shared by the police, the group travelled by boat from Hatsingimari to Dhubri. The detainees are residents of Chapai Nawabganj in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi district and were allegedly planning to travel onwards to Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
Security sources said a middleman identified as Milan was allegedly involved in arranging their onward journey. His role is being investigated.
Police Probe Alleged Infiltration Network
Police are also examining intelligence about a larger group of around 38 people who allegedly entered India through riverine routes along the border.
According to information available to investigators, middlemen charged between Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000 per person to facilitate the crossing.
Security sources said most members of the group were between 30 and 40 years old and had entered India through Meghalaya.
Police said they were investigating the alleged network involved in the group’s entry and onward movement.
The detainees are likely to face legal action under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. Police have also intensified searches at other ferry ghats, bus terminals and railway stations to trace any remaining members of the group and their associates.
