Gurgaon: A police investigation has revealed that Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in the city were allegedly employed for high-risk, labor-intensive construction tasks, including installing scaffolding at dangerous heights. The probe was initiated after 13 Bangladeshi nationals were detained during a recent crackdown on illegal immigrants. Police are now focusing on labor contractors suspected of recruiting and deploying these workers at various construction sites across the city.
Contractors Preferred Bangladeshi Workers
Investigators found that contractors allegedly preferred Bangladeshi workers for such hazardous jobs because laborers from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal were reluctant to take on the dangerous work. The probe also highlighted a financial motive: Bangladeshi laborers could be hired for lower wages, helping contractors reduce construction costs.
Network Under Scrutiny
Police are now examining the network through which the laborers were recruited, housed, and employed. They are gathering details of contractors and subcontractors who may have knowingly hired undocumented workers. Documents related to labor deployment, contractor records, and employment arrangements are being scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation. “We want to ensure that no one stays in our country illegally, as it may concern national security too. This crackdown will continue,” a police officer stated.
Heightened Verification Drives
The action comes amid intensified verification drives targeting illegal immigrants in the city. Police are also trying to determine how long the detained men have been residing in Gurgaon and whether similar labor networks are operating at other construction sites.
Details of Detainees
According to police, the 13 men entered India illegally through the Kaliaganj border in West Bengal with the help of agents before traveling to Gurgaon in search of work. They were picked up from construction sites and settlements in sectors 69, 70, and 104 during a special verification drive. They are currently undergoing legal procedures that will see them handed over to Bangladeshi authorities through the Border Security Force (BSF).
The detainees were identified as Arif, Sumon Ali, Sabir Hussain, Rubal, Sakib, Robiul, Gulzar Hussain, Naeem, Mehboob, Hamidur Islam, Atiyar Rahman, and Mohammad Hesan. Most are in the 20-30 age group and were working as laborers at different construction sites.
Operation Details
The operation was carried out by the Sector 39 crime branch under the supervision of DCP (crime) Hitesh Yadav, based on specific intelligence inputs about suspected illegal migrants. Teams conducted searches over the past two days at labor colonies, slum clusters, and construction sites.
Medical Examinations and Deportation
After medical examinations conducted on Tuesday, the 13 men are expected to be shifted to the deportation center at Sector 1 in IMT Manesar, where they will remain until documentation is completed. “The Bangladesh high commission will be informed. They will be handed over to the BSF after completion of all documentation. BSF will then transfer them to Bangladeshi officials across the border,” an officer said.
Wider Verification Exercise
Officials said the detentions are part of a wider district-wide verification exercise being carried out in slum settlements, rented accommodations, industrial areas, hotels, and commercial establishments. Police have appealed to residents to verify the documents of tenants, domestic helpers, and workers employed at shops and businesses.
“This exercise is being carried out keeping national security and public safety in mind. No foreign national or Indian citizen living legally will face harassment,” police spokesperson Sandeep Turan said.
Previous Actions
The latest action comes nearly a year after 10 Bangladeshi nationals detained during a similar drive were sent back through the BSF after completion of legal formalities.
