In a major security operation, West Bengal Police have apprehended 48 Bangladeshi nationals who were attempting to flee India through the Kolkata border. The dramatic interception comes just days after the government's controversial SIR (Special Immigration Review) announcement, which appears to have triggered a mass exodus attempt.
The Midnight Interception
Acting on a tip-off, Kolkata police units conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in the city's outskirts. The operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, targeted known human trafficking routes that have become increasingly active since the SIR policy was made public.
SIR Policy Sparks Panic
The government's new SIR framework, announced earlier this week, has created waves of uncertainty among undocumented immigrants. While official details remain scarce, sources indicate the policy includes stricter documentation requirements and enhanced monitoring of foreign nationals residing in India.
Modus Operandi Revealed
Investigators have uncovered that the arrested individuals were using sophisticated methods to evade detection:
- Forged Indian identification documents
- Multiple safe houses across Kolkata
- Coordinated movement in small groups
- Use of remote border crossing points
Police Statement
A senior Kolkata police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that "this appears to be a direct response to the new immigration policies. We've seen increased movement along traditional trafficking routes since the announcement."
Broader Implications
This mass arrest highlights the ongoing challenges India faces in managing its porous borders with Bangladesh. The SIR policy, while aimed at streamlining immigration processes, seems to have inadvertently created panic among undocumented migrants seeking to return before stricter enforcement begins.
All 48 individuals are currently in custody and are being processed according to established legal protocols. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify the trafficking networks responsible for organizing this mass escape attempt.
