Bengaluru Police Detain 33 Suspected Bangladeshis in Labour Colony Verification Drive
The Bengaluru police have detained thirty-three individuals suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals during a recent verification drive. This operation targeted labour colonies in and around the Hulimangala area of the city. The police conducted the drive to check the residency status of people living in these settlements.
Police Action and Detentions
Officers from the Electronic City division led the verification effort. They picked up sixteen people through the Hebbagodi police station. Another ten individuals were detained by the Begur police. The Electronic City police themselves took seven people into custody.
According to police statements, these detainees had been living in Bengaluru for several years. They allegedly used forged identity documents to establish their presence. These fake papers included Aadhaar cards and other crucial identification.
Residents Claim Indian Nationality
Several residents of the labour colonies strongly denied the allegations. They claimed to be Indian nationals hailing from West Bengal. Some even stated that their documents had been verified by police authorities in West Bengal previously.
The Bengaluru police rejected these claims outright. They maintained that many of the presented documents were forged. In one specific instance, officers noted that a woman claiming to be from Assam could not speak the Assamese language at all.
Environmental and Legal Violations Found
During the verification drive, police discovered additional violations beyond immigration concerns. They observed unscientific garbage disposal practices in the colonies. Waste was allegedly being dumped directly into nearby lakes and other water bodies.
Illegal electricity connections were also found at multiple locations. A senior police officer confirmed these findings. "Environmental violations and illegal power tapping were noticed during the inspection," the officer stated.
Legal Proceedings and FIRs
The Hebbagodi police registered five First Information Reports between January 4th and 10th. They used mobile-based identification tools for door-to-door verification during this period.
Police also took action against landlords in the area. These property owners allegedly permitted migrant labourers to construct unauthorized sheds and houses on their land. The labourers were reportedly engaged in garbage segregation work.
Following police intervention, landlords issued notices to occupants. They began demolishing unauthorized structures using bulldozers shortly afterward.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Cases have been registered under multiple legal provisions. These include sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to fouling water sources and endangering public health. Charges under the Karnataka Electricity Act for electricity theft have also been filed.
M Narayana, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Electronic City division, provided further details. He stated that the verification drive would continue in the coming days. Those confirmed to be illegal immigrants will face deportation after due legal process.
The police released some detainees after verifying their valid documents. However, the exact number of released individuals remains unconfirmed at this time.
Separate Incident Involving Migrant Woman
In a related development, the Hebbagodi police registered an FIR against a migrant woman labourer. This action followed a viral video showing her shouting "Jai Bangla" slogans during an argument with local residents.
The altercation occurred in Podu village of Jigani. It reportedly began when residents demanded she chant "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." She eventually complied with this demand.
Police traced the woman after the video spread on social media platforms. They booked her under BNS provisions covering unlawful assembly and obstructing public servants. Investigation into this separate matter continues.
