Investigations into these cases have revealed important information.
New Delhi: The Mumbai Police and Crime Branch have intensified their action against Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Maharashtra. In an operation, the Ghatkopar police arrested 13 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, while the Crime Branch on Sunday, January 5, arrested seven more persons for staying in the country illegally.
Investigations into these cases have revealed important information. In one of the cases, the Crime Branch last year arrested a Bangladeshi national named Mohammed Idrees Shaikh alias Joshimuddin Bishu Dewan, who has been living in Mumbai since 1994. The arrest took place near Charni Road station. During the investigation, the officials found a ‘rate chart’ which had details of the amount paid to agents for illegal entry into India by Bangladeshi nationals.
Paying agents a hefty amount
Bangladeshis pay agents a hefty amount for illegal entry into India. According to Crime Branch sources, Bangladeshi nationals usually enter India from areas like Malda, 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Dinajpur and Chapai Nawabganj in Bengal. The rates chart has different prices depending on the route and the associated risks. The hilly route is very risky and the illegal entry is fixed at Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 per person. Waterways are a cheaper option for illegal entry. It costs Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per person, but it is highly dangerous because of threats like crocodiles and Bengal tigers.
In many cases, illegal immigrants have been attacked by wildlife while trying to cross the border through this route, an official said. As a result, it is now being avoided to go through this route as the risk is very high. The flat land route is considered the safest for illegal immigrants, but it is expensive. For this, agents have to be paid Rs 12,000-15,000. These agents often cross the border in connivance with members of the Bangladesh Rifles.
Bangladeshis illegally settle in India
After entering India illegally, Bangladeshi nationals get fake Aadhaar cards by paying Rs 2,000 with the help of agents. These documents make them eligible to settle in any part of the country. Additionally, agents assist them in getting jobs, for which immigrants have to pay commissions. An official said that a huge network is working to help these illegal immigrants settle in India.
Bangladeshi nationals are not afraid of cases being registered against them, as it guarantees their long-term stay. Until the verdict in the case is reached, they cannot be deported. Moreover, they get bail in a few days and stay here normally.
