The West Bengal government has established 11 holding centres across the state as part of its 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, with 335 detainees currently housed in these facilities, officials confirmed on Friday.
Detainee Demographics and Centre Distribution
According to an official statement, the 335 detainees include 148 men, 99 women, and 88 children. The Basirhat area in North 24 Parganas district, which shares a border with Bangladesh, holds the largest number of detainees. The facilities are operational under various police districts and at the district level.
Eight holding centres are located in the police districts of Baruipur, Sundarban, Basirhat, Bongaon, Barasat, Murshidabad, Jangipur, and Krishnanagar. Three additional centres are in the districts of Malda, Cooch Behar, and Dakshin Dinajpur.
Government's Stance and Policy Implementation
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has reiterated that his administration will not soften its stance on illegal immigrants, including suspected Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. Referring to the crackdown, he warned: 'Jaldi jaldi bhago nahi toh jo karna hai sarkar karega.' The government has begun setting up holding centres to house undocumented foreigners awaiting deportation or repatriation, following a May 23 directive issued to all 23 district magistrates in line with Union home ministry guidelines.
Officials stated that each district will eventually have one such facility, where detainees can be held for up to 30 days while their nationality is verified and deportation procedures are completed. Holding centres are already operational in Murshidabad and Malda, with more planned across the state.
