A 66-year-old man from Karandighi in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district has reportedly been untraceable to his family after being detained on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi national, raising concerns over his whereabouts.
Jalil Akhtar, a resident of Baliamora in Karandighi, was allegedly taken from his home by police on June 19. His family says he was subsequently moved between different holding centres despite having Indian identity documents, including a voter ID, Aadhaar card, ration card and PAN card.
The family fears that Akhtar may have been taken towards the international border for deportation to Bangladesh. They maintain that he was born and brought up in India.
Police Took Him Into Custody in June
According to the family, personnel from Dalkhola police station took Akhtar into custody on the night of June 19, alleging that he was a Bangladeshi national.
The following morning, family members reportedly went to the police station and were told that Akhtar could be released if they produced documents proving his identity. They returned with the documents but allegedly could not meet him or get a clear explanation about the case.
Akhtar was later taken to the Nizampur Holding Centre in Chakulia, according to his family.
Family Raises Concern Over Possible Deportation
The family later learned that Akhtar had allegedly been taken to the Fulbari camp in Siliguri. They claim preparations were being made to hand him over to the Border Security Force for a possible pushback across the international border.
Local residents reportedly protested after learning about the development. Following the protests, the family claims Akhtar was brought back to the Nizampur Holding Centre.
Daughter Says Father Has Been Harassed
Akhtar’s daughter, Kunsum Khatun, said the family has struggled to understand why her father remains detained despite the documents submitted on his behalf.
“Dalkhola police took my father from his home on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi. The next day, the police told us that he would be released if we produced valid documents. My father is very old and suffers from diabetes. He can no longer bear this harassment for something he has not done,” Khatun said.
She said she met her father at the Nizampur Holding Centre four days ago.
“Four days ago, I met my father at the Nizampur Holding Centre. But since yesterday, he is no longer there. We have heard from local residents that police took him somewhere in a vehicle. We have not been given any information about where he has been taken,” she alleged.
The family has approached the authorities and the court seeking information about his whereabouts and his release.
Lawyer Says Documents Were Verified
A case concerning Akhtar’s detention is pending before the court. His lawyer, Shahid Reza, said the authenticity of documents submitted on behalf of Akhtar was discussed during a recent hearing.
“The investigating officer verbally stated that Jalil Akhtar’s voter card and ration card were authentic. The judge then directed the officer to submit that statement in writing before the court,” Reza claimed.
According to Reza, the investigating officer later submitted the statement in writing. However, the court could not pass a final order that day because the scheduled judicial working hours had ended.
The family says Akhtar’s voter ID, Aadhaar card, ration card and PAN card have been submitted before the court. Verification of the documents forms part of the ongoing proceedings.
Family Appeals for Justice
Akhtar’s brother, Matiur Rahman, said the prolonged uncertainty had caused serious distress to the family.
“Jalil Akhtar and his family have been going through a very difficult situation for a long time. We hope that no other family has to face such uncertainty in the future. We have full faith in the judiciary and hope that the court will provide us justice,” he said.
Voters’ Rights Group Raises Concern
The case has also drawn the attention of the Votadhikar Suraksha Samyoni Samiti, a local voters’ rights organisation.
Dulal Rajbangshi, the organisation’s district convener, told The Observer Post that Akhtar’s detention raised serious concerns.
“Despite Jalil Akhtar possessing Indian citizenship documents, he has been kept at a holding centre in an undemocratic and unconstitutional manner. There are allegations that preparations were being made to push him back,” Rajbangshi stated.
The family continues to seek information about Akhtar’s current location and is awaiting further proceedings in the case.
