Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Oct 14: One of the seven illegal Bangladeshi immigrants arrested in Malpe claimed that approximately 25,000 people have entered India illegally from Bangladesh in the past three to five years. According to police sources, the total number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Karnataka could exceed one lac.
A network reportedly facilitates the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into India through states like West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
Bangladeshi immigrants arrested in Malpe (file photo)
Dr K Arun, SP of Udupi district, stated, “It is difficult to determine the exact number and locations of illegal immigrants once they enter India. Agencies like the BSF, Army, union government, state government, and the home department are involved in the process. Once inside India, these immigrants can travel freely by bus or train. Police investigations into the arrested individuals are ongoing.”
Fake documents are prepared for the immigrants at the Indian border, which they use across the country. Police sources estimate that around 25,000 illegal immigrants have settled in Karnataka over the past few years, primarily in Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Bengaluru, and Chikkamagaluru districts.
The arrested immigrants have revealed details of the operation to the police. However, tracking such a large number of immigrants remains a challenge. Some, having lived in Karnataka for years, speak fluent Kannada and have integrated with the local population. Some have even purchased property and possess Aadhaar cards and voter IDs.
The intelligence department lacks precise information on these immigrants. A retired police officer suggested that local police stations must play a more active role in tracking them down.
Police are also urged to investigate brokers who bring labourers from other states to Karnataka. Locals in Malpe claim that a large number of Bangladeshi nationals work at the Malpe fishing port and on boats.