 "Police personnel stand guard at the Red Fort, amid tight security in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan, in New Delhi, Friday, May 9, 2025. PTI")
Delhi Police on Tuesday said it has arrested five Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort complex, which remains under tight security ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
According to officials, the arrests took place near one of the Red Fort’s access control points, where a police team intercepted the group during routine checks. The men, aged between 20 and 25, failed to produce valid entry passes and were found to be residing in India without legal documentation.
“All of them are illegal immigrants and tried to force their way into the Red Fort premises,” the police said in a statement.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District) Raja Banthiya said the men were stopped on August 4 and, during questioning, revealed they had entered India illegally around three to four months ago. They had been working as daily-wage labourers in different parts of Delhi.
“They claimed they were unaware that the Red Fort has been closed to the public since July 15. While Bangladeshi documents were recovered from them, no suspicious materials or activities were detected during interrogation,” Banthiya added.
The incident comes amid heightened security across the national capital in the run-up to the 78th Independence Day. Delhi Police has intensified a crackdown on illegal immigrants, particularly those residing near high-security zones and critical infrastructure.
Officials said central security agencies have also questioned the five individuals. They are now being processed for deportation in line with legal procedures.