Ahmedabad Crime Branch Deports 16 Bangladeshi Immigrants, 36 More to Follow by March
Ahmedabad, February 12, 2025 – The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has deported 16 Bangladeshi immigrants and plans to deport 36 more by mid-March, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The crackdown, which began in July 2024, has so far led to the detention of 52 suspected Bangladeshi nationals, including two minors, for illegally residing in India using forged documents.
Deportation Process Underway
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Bharat Patel stated that the first batch of 16 individuals, including one minor, was deported to Bangladesh on February 1. The remaining 36 detainees, including another minor, are currently being held at a detention center in Sardar Nagar and are expected to be deported by March 15.
The deportations follow a coordinated effort between the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Bangladesh High Commission to verify the nationality of the detainees. “Once their Bangladeshi citizenship was confirmed, deportation proceedings were initiated,” Patel said.
Illegal Activities Uncovered
Investigations revealed that the detained immigrants were involved in various illegal activities, including human trafficking, forced labor, and prostitution. Many had been residing in Ahmedabad for 2 to 10 years, using fake Indian identification documents such as Aadhar cards.
“Some were victims of human trafficking and forced into prostitution, particularly women and minor girls. The proceeds from these activities were sent to Bangladesh under the guise of trade,” Patel explained. Additionally, several immigrants were engaged in the scrap business and food vending.
Probe into Trafficking and Financial Networks
Authorities are investigating the larger human trafficking network and financial transactions linked to these illegal activities. “Central agencies are tracking fund movements to uncover the financial networks supporting these operations,” Patel added.
The crackdown began after the Crime Branch uncovered two cases of Bangladeshi women being trafficked into India with fake identities and forced into prostitution. This led to a broader investigation, including the use of satellite imagery and historical maps to identify settlements of illegal immigrants around areas like Chandola Lake, Dani Limda, and Shah-E-Alam.
Encroachment and Anti-National Activities
The investigation also found that the Chandola Lake area had significantly shrunk over the years due to encroachment by Bangladeshi nationals. “Satellite images from 1980 onwards show how the lake’s area diminished as illegal settlements expanded,” Patel noted.
Authorities are also probing whether the detained immigrants were involved in anti-national activities or had links to the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). “We are investigating their potential connections to terror outfits during their stay in India,” Patel said.
A Coordinated Effort for National Security
The deportation drive underscores ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to address illegal immigration and its associated challenges. By collaborating with central agencies and international partners, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch aims to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard national security.
As the legal process for the remaining deportations continues, authorities remain focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of illegal immigration, including exploitation and human trafficking. This operation highlights the importance of vigilance and coordinated action in protecting both national interests and human rights.
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