Karnataka Activists Stage Protest Demanding Deportation of Bangladeshi Immigrants
Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, belonging to the Praveen Shetty faction, organized a significant protest in Madikeri on Monday. The demonstration centered on a firm demand for the immediate deportation of Bangladeshi immigrants who have reportedly settled across various locations in Kodagu district.
Key Demands and Ultimatum
The protestors issued a clear ultimatum to authorities, threatening to intensify their struggle if concrete action is not taken within the next 40 days. Their primary demands include:
- Identification and deportation of all suspected Bangladeshi immigrants currently camped in different areas of Kodagu.
- Stringent legal action against local residents who are allegedly providing shelter to these immigrants in estate houses.
- Immediate cancellation of fake Aadhaar cards that may have been issued to illegal immigrants.
- Strong measures against traders who are reportedly generating fraudulent documents to supply cheap labor.
The activists submitted a formal memorandum outlining these demands, urging both the Union government to prevent further illegal infiltration and the state government to identify and deport existing infiltrators within Karnataka.
Allegations and Concerns Raised
KN Deepak, the district president of the organization, voiced several serious concerns during the protest. He criticized the government for failing to implement the Sarojini Mahishi report even after four decades, alleging that authorities are themselves providing housing to Bangladeshis in Bangalore.
Deepak presented specific allegations to support their demands:
- Criminal Cases: He claimed that 62 criminal cases were registered against immigrants in Kodagu during 2025 alone.
- Violent Incidents: Reference was made to a recent attack on an auto driver by illegal immigrants in Shanthalli.
- Social Concerns: Deepak alleged that many illegal immigrants are attempting to marry girls from Kodagu, with such instances reportedly occurring in the Makkandur and Bhagamandala regions.
Broader Context and Government Appeal
The protest highlights growing tensions around immigration issues in Karnataka's border regions. The activists emphasized that their demands are not merely local but require national attention, calling upon the Union government to take immediate and decisive action against illegal infiltration networks.
The protestors reiterated that if their memorandum does not receive a satisfactory response within the stipulated 40-day period, they will escalate their protest activities significantly. This development adds to ongoing debates about immigration policy, border security, and community relations in southern India.
