The Maharashtra Police have successfully dismantled an illegal immigration network operating in Mumbai, arresting seven Bangladeshi nationals who were residing in the city with forged documents. The operation, carried out by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), targeted individuals who had entered India without valid permits and were living under false identities.
Details of the Arrests
The arrests were made following a tip-off and subsequent surveillance. The seven individuals were found to be living in different parts of Mumbai, including areas like Kurla, Bandra, and Andheri. They had been residing in the city for several months, some even years, using fake Indian identity cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter IDs.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that the accused had entered India through porous borders in West Bengal and were later provided with forged documents by a well-organized network. The network allegedly charged each individual between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh for the fake documents and safe passage to Mumbai.
The police have also identified several other individuals who are part of this network and are conducting raids to apprehend them. The arrested have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Foreigners Act.
Previous Cases
This is not the first time such a network has been busted. In recent years, the Maharashtra Police have arrested several Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Mumbai and other parts of the state. The issue has been a matter of concern for security agencies, as these individuals often use fake documents to obtain jobs and even open bank accounts.
The police have urged the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities that may indicate illegal immigration. They have also advised landlords to verify the documents of tenants thoroughly before renting out properties.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to trace the entire network, including the suppliers of forged documents and the facilitators who helped the accused enter India.
