In an emotional homecoming, Sunali Khatun, the 26-year-old woman wrongfully deported to Bangladesh, returned to her village in Birbhum's Paikar on Saturday. Over nine months pregnant, she expressed deep gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and vowed never to return to Delhi, alleging torture by its police.
An Emotional Reunion and a Promise to the Chief Minister
Hours after being admitted to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital under police and state medical team escort, Sunali Khatun made a heartfelt declaration. "If I have a son, I will name him Deshprem, but it will be an honour if CM Mamata Banerjee chooses a name for my yet-to-be-born child, be it a son or daughter," she said. However, her resolve was clear on one point: "I will never go to Delhi again."
Her return to Paikar was met with an overwhelming reception. A crowd of women showered petals on the ambulance, preventing her from stepping out. The most poignant moment was her reunion with her six-year-old daughter, Anisha, from whom she had been separated for six months. Sunali's eyes filled with tears upon seeing the Indian Tricolour in the crowd. "I am relieved to be back in my country," she stated.
A Tale of Two Police Forces: Allegations Against Delhi, Praise for Bangladesh
Sunali Khatun, her husband Danish, and their friend Sweety Bibi were working as ragpickers in Delhi when their lives changed on June 17. Police picked them up on suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and, within ten days, pushed them across the border into Bangladesh.
Drawing a stark contrast, Sunali said, "Even the police in Bangladesh were good. They gave me whatever I needed. But Delhi police tortured me. They refused to hear my pleas that I am an Indian." Her current worry is for her husband and Sweety Bibi, who remain stranded in Bangladesh with Sweety's two sons. "I will be very happy if they are able to return soon," she told journalists.
State Steps In: Medical Care and Social Security
The West Bengal government has taken full responsibility for Sunali's welfare. TMC MP and Bengal Migrant Welfare Board chairperson Samirul Islam announced comprehensive support. "As per the Supreme Court order, the state government will extend all medical help to her free of cost," he said. "Next, Sunali will be given all social scheme benefits available in Bengal so that she does not have to look for work outside the state."
Her father, Bhodu Sk, who had an emotional reunion with her at Malda Medical College, echoed the family's gratitude. "It is all because of Mamata didi, Abhishek da, and Samirul bhai that we got Sunali back," said the former rickshaw driver. He also voiced the family's anguish and confusion: "I was born in Birbhum, so were my children, even my son-in-law. Then why call us Bangladeshi?"
The fight for justice continues as the state and the family await the return of Sunali's husband and friends, hoping for a complete reunion on Indian soil.
