13 Detained in Gwalior on Suspicion of Being Bangladeshi Nationals: Police
Police in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, detained 13 individuals, including women and children, on Tuesday on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals residing in India without valid documentation, an official said.
The detainees comprise seven men, three women, and three children, all picked up from different locations in the city where they were living in rented accommodations. The operation was launched following a specific tip-off, according to Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharamveer Singh.
Speaking to reporters, SSP Singh said, "Their documents are being verified. If the investigation confirms their Bangladeshi citizenship, legal action will be taken against them." He did not specify the exact natuer of the tip-off or the duration of their stay in Gwalior.
The detentions are part of an ongoing effort by law enforcement agencies to identify foreign nationals living in India without proper authorisation. Under Indian law, foreign citizens residing in the country must possess valid visas and registration documents. Those found to have overstayed or entered without valid papers can be processed under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and relevant provisions of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.
The police have stated that all 13 individuals are being held for verification purposes only. They have not been formally arrested or charged as of yet. The verification process involves checking identity documents, cross-referencing with immigration records, and coordinating with central agencies if needed.
Officials said that the group was residing in separate rented houses across different localities in Gwalior. Neighbours and local residents were questioned during the operation, but no details have been released about their responses. The landlords of the properties where the individuals lived are also expected to be examined to determine whether they complied with tenant verification requirements.
This incident highlights the broader issue of undocumented migration and the administrative measures taken to address it. In recent years, various state police units have conducted similar checks in response to intelligence inputs. However, authorities have emphasised that such operations are conducted strictly according to legal procedures and that individuals are given the opportunity to present their documents.
The SSP reiterated that the detention does not presume guilt. "We are verifying documents; if they are found to be in order, they will be released. If not, the law will take its course," he added.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. The police have not disclosed the names or ages of the detained individuals, citing privacy concerns. No official statement has been issued by the Bangladeshi consulate or the Ministry of External Affairs at this time.
Legal experts note that while the government has the authority to deport foreign nationals residing illegally, due process must be followed, including providing a hearing and an opportunity to prove citizenship. The courts have previously ruled that depriving a person of liberty requires a proper legal basis, and simple suspicion is not sufficient for arrest.
As the verification proceeds, Gwalior police remain in contact with immigration authorities. The outcome of the document checks will determine the next steps in this case, including whether any formal charges will be filed under immigration laws.
