Agra (UP), Jan 10: In a major deportation operation, 38 Bangladeshi nationals, including eight children, were sent back to their home country from Agra on Saturday after completing their sentences for illegal residency in India, police officials said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Dinesh Singh confirmed that the group of illegal immigrants, who had been residing unlawfully in the city for several years, were deported following their conviction under the Foreigners Act.
According to Singh, the case dates back to February 5, 2022, when police authorities discovered 38 Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Sector 15 under the jurisdiction of Sikandra police station. The group comprised 30 adults—both men and women—and eight minors, all of whom were found to be residing in India without any valid documentation or legal authorization.
“During a verification drive conducted in early 2022, we found these individuals living in the area without proper papers. They could not produce any valid identity documents, passports, or visas that would authorize their stay in India,” Singh said.
Following their detention, the police conducted a thorough investigation to verify their nationality and legal status. The investigation confirmed that all 38 individuals were Bangladeshi nationals who had entered and been residing in India illegally, violating Indian immigration laws.
The police subsequently presented all the accused before a competent court on charges of illegal residency and violation of provisions under the Foreigners Act, 1946, which governs the entry, exit, and stay of foreign nationals in India. After examining the evidence and hearing the case, the court found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly.
“The court proceedings were conducted as per due legal process, and they were convicted under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act. After their conviction, they served their sentences as per the court’s directions,” the ACP said.
Upon completion of their sentences, arrangements were made for their deportation. On Saturday, all 38 individuals were transported in vehicles from Agra toward the India-Bangladesh border under police escort to ensure safe and orderly transfer.
Singh informed that the deportees will be formally handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on January 13 at a designated border outpost. The BSF will then coordinate with their Bangladeshi counterparts, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), to complete the formal handover process across the international border.
“The handover will be done through proper diplomatic and security channels. The BSF will ensure that all protocols are followed during the transfer,” he said.
The deportation operation was carried out in coordination with multiple agencies, including local police, intelligence units, immigration authorities, and the BSF, to ensure smooth execution of the process.
This deportation comes amid increased vigilance by Indian authorities against illegal immigration, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh. Law enforcement agencies across various states, especially those bordering Bangladesh, have intensified verification drives to identify and take action against foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.
Illegal immigration has been a persistent concern for Indian security and immigration authorities, with thousands of Bangladeshi nationals believed to be living in various parts of the country without valid documents. Such illegal residents often take up informal employment in cities and towns across India.
The Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, provide the legal framework for dealing with illegal foreign nationals. Those found guilty of illegal residency can face imprisonment and subsequent deportation to their country of origin.
Police officials emphasized that verification drives and crackdowns against illegal immigrants would continue as part of regular law enforcement activities. Authorities have also urged landlords and employers to verify the identity and legal status of individuals before providing accommodation or employment to avoid legal complications.
The recent deportation from Agra sends a strong message about India’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining the integrity of its borders, officials said.
