Bengaluru: 105 suspected illegal immigrants identified in special police drive, produced before FRRO

Bengaluru city police have produced 105 suspected illegal immigrants before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) along with a report for further legal action, officials said on Sunday. The individuals were identified during a special operation conducted across multiple jurisdictions, with verification of documents of a few more persons still underway.

Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said that 105 illegal immigrants had been identified so far, while the process of verifying the documents of other individuals was continuing. According to data shared by the Bengaluru City Police, 1,035 persons were screened in the Whitefield jurisdiction by 35 police teams, leading to the identification of 62 suspected illegal immigrants. In the Electronics City jurisdiction, 23 police teams screened 1,909 individuals and identified 43 such persons.

The Bengaluru city police issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that the suspected individuals were taken into custody following the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The statement came in response to a letter sent by civil liberties organisations, including the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and the All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ), to the Karnataka Director General of Police and the Home Minister. The organisations alleged that the police action was “illegal and constitutionally impermissible.”

The police have defended their action, stating that similar operations would continue across the city as part of efforts to identify and take legal action against those staying without valid documentation. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office is the authorised body to handle matters related to the registration of foreign nationals and can initiate deportation proceedings or other legal measures as per Indian law.

The special drive underscores the broader national focus on verifying the status of foreign nationals residing in India. However, civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for harassment of individuals who may have pending visa applications or valid documentation. They have urged the authorities to ensure that due process is followed and that the rights of all individuals are protected under the Constitution.

As the document verification process continues, the police have assured that they are acting in accordance with legal provisions. The outcome of the FRRO’s review will determine the next steps, including possible deportation or other legal proceedings against those found to be staying illegally.