Five Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals Intercepted in Zikzak During Late-Night Operation

In a successful late-night operation on November 21, 2024, the Zikzak Police Patrol Post, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Diganta Hajong, intercepted a vehicle carrying five suspected Bangladeshi nationals. The operation occurred during a routine vehicle check on SH-12 near KGBV School, Zikzak, around 11:42 PM.

The vehicle, a Bolero Pik-up (registration number AS-34C-0613), was being driven by Md. Nur Hussain, a 40-year-old resident of Nandia village in South Salmara District, Assam. Upon inspection, the police discovered that the five passengers were in possession of several suspicious items, including five Aadhaar cards, two mobile phones with Indian Airtel SIM cards, and products of Bangladeshi origin such as nasal drops and Lorix cream.

Preliminary verification using the mAadhaar app revealed the Aadhaar cards to be invalid and likely forged. During questioning, the individuals admitted to illegally entering India through the Indo-Bangladesh border near Baghmara in South Garo Hills. They stated that their intended destination was Kolkata, where they planned to work as laborers.

The five individuals have been identified as:

• Md. Jahangir Ali (21 years), from Char Sikhalipur, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
• Md. Jaidul Islam (30 years), from Char Sikhalipur, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
• Md. Durul Ali (37 years), from Char Sikhalipur, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
• Md. Maruf Ali (19 years), from Char Sikhalipur, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
• Md. Babu Sheikh (22 years), from Char Sikhalipur, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered at Mahendraganj Police Station under sections 336(3)BNS and 14A(b) of the Foreigners Act. The authorities are continuing their investigations, and all seized items have been taken into custody in the presence of independent witnesses.

SP Kumar emphasized that this interception is part of a broader effort to combat illegal immigration through the Indo-Bangladesh border. “In the past three months alone, 27 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended in South West Garo Hills. We are working closely with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies to strengthen border security. The local community’s support has been instrumental in reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

To address the ongoing issue of illegal immigration, authorities have intensified surveillance measures aimed at preventing unauthorized crossings and ensuring the safety and security of the region.