Maharashtra Police apprehended 16 Bangladeshi nationals for residing illegally in India without valid documentation. The arrests were made during a routine inspection in Navi Mumbai, where the individuals were found to have overstayed or entered the country without proper permits.
According to police officials, the operation was conducted following intelligence inputs regarding illegal immigrants in the region. The arrested individuals were reportedly working in various sectors, including construction and domestic help. Investigations revealed that many had entered India through porous border areas and had been living undetected for extended periods.
The detainees have been booked under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Indian Penal Code. They are now in judicial custody while authorities work to verify their identities and arrange for deportation in coordination with Bangladeshi authorities. Officials emphasized the importance of such operations to address issues of national security and border control, stressing that illegal immigration poses significant challenges for law enforcement and resource management.
Maharashtra Police has also urged residents to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, emphasizing community participation in maintaining law and order. This operation serves as a reminder of the need for robust border management policies and vigilance in urban areas with high migrant populations.