The task force has been created to identify, verify and initiate legal proceedings against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas.
Photo: IANS/File
In a new initiative to identify foreign nationals residing illegally in the city, the Kolkata Police has set up a dedicated unit called the Special Task Force-Deportation (STF-D).
According to sources from the Kolkata Police headquarters, the task force has been created to identify, verify and initiate legal proceedings against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas and continue to stay in the country using forged identity documents.
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Police said that in recent years several such individuals were found living in Kolkata by posing as Indian citizens and were allegedly engaged in employment or business activities.
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The trend has been particularly noticed among nationals from Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
The STF-D will function under the supervision of a Deputy Commissioner and will include officers from the Residential Permit Section, Investigation Cell, Foreigners’ Inquiry Section and Illegal Migrants Cell of the Security Control wing of Kolkata Police.
The unit has been instructed to begin operations immediately.
Officials said the task force will verify the documents of foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas as well as suspected illegal immigrants. Tax-related matters will also be examined.
The STF-D will coordinate with various divisions of Kolkata Police, the Intelligence Branch and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for investigation and enforcement.
The task force will operate under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and other applicable laws. If required, suspected foreign nationals may be detained and deportation proceedings initiated.
The Kolkata Police headquarters has directed all divisional Deputy Commissioners to expedite investigations into pending cases involving foreign nationals and extend necessary assistance to the STF-D.
Police have also stressed the verification of addresses mentioned in mandatory C-Forms submitted by guests staying in hotels and guest houses across the city.
A senior police officer said the STF-D has been empowered to seek assistance from any division or branch of Kolkata Police and will submit regular progress reports to the police headquarters.
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