Maharashtra's First Detention Centre for Illegal Foreign Nationals Now Operational in Mumbai
Maharashtra's inaugural detention centre for foreign nationals residing illegally in Mumbai before their deportation to their home countries has officially commenced operations. This significant development marks a crucial step in the state's efforts to manage and process undocumented immigrants.
Current Inmates and Deportation Plans
The detention centre, a two-storey structure located in Central Mumbai's Bhoiwada area, is currently accommodating 39 Bangladeshi nationals who were found living illegally in the city. According to a police officer, these individuals have been detained and will be deported to Bangladesh. This facility represents the state's first dedicated centre for holding illegal foreigners prior to their removal from the country.
Background and Approval of Detention Centres
In 2024, the Maharashtra state government approved the establishment of two detention centres to house illegal foreigners. The plan included one temporary facility in Mumbai and another permanent centre in Navi Mumbai with a capacity of 213 individuals. The Navi Mumbai centre is expected to become operational in the near future, enhancing the state's capacity to manage such cases.
Operational Details and Capacity
The Mumbai detention centre became operational on March 26. It has the capacity to house 80 people, featuring 20 rooms on each floor equipped with bunk beds, food services, and bathroom facilities. The centre is designed to provide basic amenities while ensuring secure detention.
Security and Supervision
The facility is currently supervised by the social welfare department. For security within the compound, personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Force have been appointed, while a Mumbai police constable is stationed outside the facility. This multi-agency approach aims to maintain order and safety at the centre.
Recent Enforcement Actions and Statistics
Last year, the city police apprehended and deported 1,058 Bangladeshis who were staying illegally in Mumbai. In the current year, up to March, approximately 400 Bangladesh nationals residing illegally in Maharashtra have been detained, including 220 in Mumbai alone. These figures highlight the ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration in the region.
Intelligence and Legal Procedures
City police personnel, responsible for intelligence gathering, are actively working to identify illegal foreign nationals. Cases involving these individuals are registered at local police stations, ensuring that legal procedures are followed for their detention and subsequent deportation.
The establishment of this detention centre underscores Maharashtra's commitment to managing illegal immigration through structured and humane processes, while adhering to legal frameworks for deportation.
