In a crackdown against infiltration, police from Kultali Police Station in South 24 Parganas have uncovered an international network facilitating illegal cross-border infiltration into India. Acting on a tip-off from confidential sources, a special operation was carried out early Wednesday morning, leading to the detention of 18 Bangladeshi nationals from a brick kiln in the Godabar area.
According to police officials, the detained group includes 12 adults — both men and women — and six children. None of them possessed valid travel documents, having allegedly entered India illegally over the past several years.
Preliminary investigations have revealed a well-organised infiltration racket. During interrogation, the detainees reportedly admitted to crossing the barbed-wire border fence with the help of middlemen operating along the India-Bangladesh border. Each individual is said to have paid amounts ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 30,000 to facilitate their entry.
Police sources further stated that upon entering India, the group initially settled in the Bhangar area, where they worked as daily wage labourers at brick kilns while concealing their identities. After some time, they relocated to the more remote Godabar region of Kultali, situated on the fringes of the Sundarbans, in an attempt to avoid detection.
Taking advantage of the area's geographical isolation, the group secured employment at a local brick kiln, where they remained undetected for extended periods— ranging from two to three years in some cases. Neither the kiln owner nor local authorities were initially aware of their foreign nationality.
Authorities revealed that the Kultali Police Station had been receiving intelligence inputs for some time regarding suspicious activities at brick kilns in remote Sundarbans areas, where migrant labourers were allegedly hiding their identities. Acting on this information, a large police team led by the Officer-in-Charge conducted a surprise raid at the Godabar brick kiln.
During questioning at the site, the individuals failed to produce passports, visas, or any valid proof of Indian citizenship. They were subsequently detained and brought to the police station for further interrogation.
Following prolonged questioning and documentation of their statements, the detainees were transferred to a designated holding centre in accordance with legal procedures. Special attention has been given to the safety and welfare of the six minors among them.
Police have confirmed that strict legal action is being initiated under relevant provisions of law, including the Foreigners Act.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the cross-border infiltration network responsible for facilitating their illegal entry.
Officials said that further operations may be conducted in the region as part of efforts to dismantle similar networks operating in the border districts.
Also read: BJP seeks infiltrator detention centres in Jharkhand
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