The Central government has long been blaming West Bengal for the infiltration from across the Bangladesh border. According to sources, this issue has been discussed numerous times in the parliamentary standing committee. Not only infiltration but also various criminal activities, including cattle and drug smuggling, are prevalent along this border. Complaints continue to pour in, necessitating vigilance from the administration.
Now, just before Modi’s visit to Kolkata, the Ministry of Home Affairs has released data on the situation at the border over the past few years, including the areas where fencing cannot be erected, the number of infiltrations occurring between 2023 and 2025, and the methods of smuggling. It is important to note that the responsibility for the India-Bangladesh border lies with the Central government.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of infiltrators apprehended was 1,547 in 2023, 1,694 in 2024, and 723 in 2025. A total of 4,988 kg of drugs was seized in 2023, 3,145 kg in 2024, and 5,729 kg from January to July 2025. Many livestock were rescued before being trafficked. In 2023, the number was 8,614; in 2024, it was 8,648; and in the first seven months of 2025, the number was 2,886. According to the ministry’s data, much livestock was rescued before being trafficked. In 2023, the number was 8,614; in 2024, it was 8,648; and in the first seven months of 2025, the number was 2,886. Yava tablets have also been seized.
In 2023, a total of 51,882 tablets were seized, followed by 86,747 in 2024 and 36,440 in 2025. Similarly, over three consecutive years, 210,407, 303,480, and 210,606 bottles of Phensidyl (cough syrup) were confiscated from border areas. The incidents of gold smuggling have also not diminished. In the past seven months, 20.876 kg of gold has been recovered, while last year saw the recovery of 188.142 kg, and in 2023, 166.810 kg of gold was seized.