 "Representative image. PTI")
The Tamil Nadu police on Friday arrested 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Tiruppur for staying without proper documents, The New India Express reported. A total of 83 Bangladeshis have been arrested in the district this January.
Sources said to The New Indian Express that the city and district police are carrying out this crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in the city and suburbs without proper documents, with help from central and state intelligence units and the anti-terrorism squad.
Coimbatore’s anti-terrorist squad conducted searches across the city on Friday based on intelligence. They found 36 Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally and handed them over to the city police.
“In Tiruppur city, 20 Bangladeshis were arrested in 15-Velampalayam area, six in Tiruppur South and 10 in Nallur for staying in these areas without proper documents. They were then arrested on Friday night after a detailed investigation,” a police officer said.
“They were working at various knitwear companies and construction companies on daily wage basis. Further investigation is on,” The officer said.
Delhi police initiate crackdown
Delhi Police have intensified efforts to initiate their crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Between December 10 and December 28, 2024, authorities apprehended 46 Bangladeshi nationals who were either staying illegally or overstaying their visas.
In a related operation, police busted a syndicate facilitating illegal immigration of Bangladeshis into the capital, and arrested four individuals involved in the network.
Ouster of Sheikh Hasina and crisis in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is currently navigating a significant political and economic crisis after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 amid student-led protests.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is now leads the interim government, which plans to hold general elections by late 2025 or early 2026.