Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai/Ranchi, Apr 27: Mumbai's Vikhroli police have arrested 13 Bangladeshi nationals who were found carrying forged Aadhaar cards listing addresses in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district, officials confirmed on Sunday.

Details of the arrested individuals have been shared with Jharkhand Police and central investigative agencies for further action. The group, operating as hawkers in Mumbai, was apprehended following an intensive probe into suspicious activities.

BJP leader and former Mumbai MP Kirit Somaiya highlighted the arrests on social media, sharing photographs and raising alarms over what he described as a growing security threat. He alleged that Jharkhand’s border areas were becoming "base camps" for Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Those arrested have been identified as Ziaul Sheikh, Ayub Sheikh, Manaurul Sheikh, Saim Sheikh, Naeem Sheikh, Samoun Sheikh, Rafikul Sheikh, Zahir Sheikh, Naseema Bibi, Moinuddin Sheikh, Bariul Sheikh, Haleem Sheikh, and Kasud Sheikh.

Investigations revealed a striking pattern — the majority of the fake Aadhaar cards listed January 1 as the date of birth, a detail that raised red flags. During questioning, the detainees confessed to being Bangladeshi nationals.

Taking to platform X, Somaiya called the incident a grave internal security issue and demanded a high-level probe. "The Sahibganj-Jharkhand connection needs urgent attention. Jharkhand is becoming a base camp for illegal infiltration," he posted.

Police sources said a deeper investigation is now underway to track down the creators of the fake Aadhaar cards and dismantle the networks facilitating illegal entry into India, both in Jharkhand and Mumbai.

The issue of Bangladeshi infiltration through Jharkhand has long been a contentious political flashpoint, particularly emphasized by the BJP during previous Lok Sabha and Assembly election campaigns. Several petitions remain pending in the Supreme Court and Jharkhand High Court seeking detailed investigations into the matter.