Nine Bangladeshi nationals were arrested at New Bongaigaon Railway Station in Assam’s Bongaigaon district on Wednesday during a joint operation by Bongaigaon Police and the Government Railway Police (GRP), officials said.
Bongaigaon SSP Numal Mahatta said the nine were identified as Bangladeshi citizens during questioning. Police also recovered identity documents and other items from their possession.
“We have apprehended nine Bangladeshi nationals from New Bongaigaon Railway Station during a joint operation. During questioning, we came to know all nine were citizens of Bangladesh. We have recovered four Bangladeshi national identity cards from their possession,” Mahatta told reporters.
Bangladeshi Passport, Aadhaar Cards Recovered
According to the SSP, police recovered six mobile phones, one Bangladeshi passport, three suspected fake Indian Aadhaar cards and five railway tickets from the group.
“From a preliminary investigation, we came to know they have entered Assam through a neighbouring State, and they are planning to go outside from New Bongaigaon Railway Station,” Mahatta said.
He said police initially arrested six people before detaining three more during the operation.
“All lawful action will be taken against them. They were planning to go outside for work,” the SSP said.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine how the group entered Assam and their intended destination.
Assam Police Continue Crackdown
The arrests come amid a series of operations by Assam Police against people suspected of illegally entering the State from Bangladesh.
Police said 27 Bangladeshi nationals, including men, women and minors, were apprehended from Guwahati and Rangiya in separate operations on September 16.
An Assam Police official said the crackdown would continue.
“Our crackdown against the illegal influx of Bangladeshi nationals will continue. So far, we have apprehended many Bangladeshi nationals for illegally entering India. All were prosecuted as per law,” the official said.
