EC Voter List Affirms Indian Citizenship for Parents of Deported Women
In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (EC) has officially recognized the citizenship status of the parents of two women who were previously labeled as illegal immigrants and deported to Bangladesh. The final electoral list published on February 28 includes the names of Bhodu Sheikh, father of Sunali Khatun, and Rozina Bibi, mother of Sweety Bibi, confirming their status as genuine Indian voters.
Background of the Deportation Case
This decision comes after a distressing incident in June of last year, when Sunali Khatun and Sweety Bibi were wrongfully tagged as illegal immigrants and forcibly pushed into Bangladesh. Sunali, along with her minor son, was eventually brought back to India in December following the intervention of the Supreme Court on humanitarian grounds. However, the ordeal has left deep scars on the families involved.
Sunali Khatun, her husband Danish Sheikh, and their eight-year-old son were apprehended during an identity verification drive in Delhi on June 21. They were detained at a community hall in Rohini, and by June 26, a deportation order was issued. While Sunali and her son have returned, her husband Danish, Sweety Bibi, and Sweety's two sons, Qurban Sheikh and Imam Dewan, remain stranded in Bangladesh, causing a painful family separation.
Emotional Response from Sunali Khatun
Upon seeing her father's name in the published voter list, an emotional Sunali Khatun expressed relief and frustration. "This is proof that my father is an Indian citizen. I am an Indian citizen," she stated. She detailed the severe impact of the deportation on her life, losing her job as a house help that earned her at least Rs 10,000 per month. "My family is split... my husband is in Bangladesh, unable to see our newborn. The past many months have been hell for my family with date after date in court," she added.
Documentation and Legal Challenges
The 2002 State Identification Register (SIR) list, which serves as the base for the 2026 SIR, featured the names of Sunali's parents, Bhodu Sheikh and Jyotsna Bibi, under the Murarai assembly constituency in Birbhum. They had submitted their enumeration forms in 2025 for the SIR while their pregnant daughter, grandson, and son-in-law were in Bangladesh. However, Sunali's mother Jyotsna Bibi's name is currently marked "under adjudication" in the voter list, despite all necessary documents, including the 2002 list, being submitted.
Similarly, Danish Sheikh's mother, Dilruba Bibi, also has her name under adjudication. Danish had submitted his mother's Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in court to prove citizenship, citing his grandfather Ekamuddin Sheikh's inclusion in the 2002 SIR list as evidence. Sunali herself does not possess a voter ID card; she attempted to apply online but was unsuccessful. "We could not apply for a voter card at camps held here because we were in Delhi, working to earn a living," she explained, while asserting that she holds an Aadhaar card, PAN card, ration card, and land deeds dating back to her grandfather.
Family Testimonies and Broader Implications
Meanwhile, Sweety Bibi's mother Rozina Bibi's inclusion in the final voter roll has been confirmed by her cousin Amir, who told sources that many family members' names are featured, with a few under adjudication but documents submitted. This case highlights ongoing issues in citizenship verification processes and the human cost of administrative errors. It underscores the need for more robust systems to prevent wrongful deportations and ensure that Indian citizens are not unjustly targeted.
The EC's decision provides a glimmer of hope for the affected families, but the legal battles and personal hardships continue as they seek reunification and justice. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and citizenship in India, urging authorities to handle such matters with greater sensitivity and accuracy.
