Six Bangladeshi nationals were arrested by the police in two separate raids conducted in the early hours of Thursday in the Domkal sub-division of Murshidabad district for allegedly entering India illegally.
The first operation was carried out by a team from Domkal police station in the Bhatshala area following a tip-off. During the raid, two persons, identified as Akash Sheikh (20) and Rabi Sheikh alias Soun Sheikh (19), were apprehended. Both are residents of Kishorganj village under Karimganj district in Bangladesh, police said. In a parallel operation, Raninagar police arrested four more Bangladeshi nationals from the Harudanga border village. They have been identified as Mohammad Tariqul Islam (30), Mohammad Jasimuddin (29), Mohammad Nur Islam (36), and Mohammad Rabiul Islam – all residents of Saharagachi village under Godagari police station in Rajshahi district of Bangladesh.
Police recovered two mobile phones from the accused, both containing Bangladeshi SIM cards. Preliminary investigation revealed that all six had entered Indian territory without valid travel documents. During questioning, the detainees reportedly claimed that they crossed the border in search of employment opportunities.
However, police suspect that an organised network may be aiding such cross-border infiltrations. A senior district police officer said: “We are investigating how they managed to cross the border and whether any organised group is involved in facilitating such illegal entries. Once in custody, we hope to gather more information about their intentions and possible links to others who may have entered the country through similar means.” A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act and other laws pertaining to illegal entry.
The accused are likely to be produced before a local court, where the police will seek custody for further interrogation.