Mumbai: A Bangladeshi couple who were deported in July last year for residing in Mumbai illegally were again arrested on Tuesday, this time from Dadar's Bhoiwada. They told police that they re-entered India through an illegal cross-border jungle route five months ago and found their way back to the city.
Details of the Arrest
Litan Shohid Mulla (43) and Papi Begum (37), who hail from Noakhali district in Bangladesh, were living in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai. Police recovered Bangladeshi identity cards from their phones. They said call records showed communication with Bangladesh-based numbers. Officials said they failed to produce any valid passport, visa or legal travel documents authorising their entry or stay in India.
Based on a tipoff that two illegal Bangladeshi nationals were in Bhoiwada, police laid a trap on Tuesday and found a couple matching the description. The two allegedly attempted to hurry away, raising police's suspicion. Upon sustained questioning, they admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the city.
Previous Deportation and Re-entry
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the couple had been deported to Bangladesh on July 14, 2025, following action initiated by the Foreigners Registration Office and the special branch of Mumbai police for illegally residing in India. Bhoiwada police invoked charges of illegally entering and residing in India without valid documents under the Immigration Act. Further investigation is underway into the route used for re-entry and whether any larger network assisted the couple in crossing the border and returning to Mumbai.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring illegal immigration and the porous nature of certain border areas. Authorities are probing if the couple had assistance from human traffickers or other intermediaries.
