The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration in Jharkhand.
The development comes at a time when the central government, in an affidavit submitted before the Jharkhand High Court in an infiltration-related matter, has acknowledged 'dangerous' demographic changes in the districts of Santhal Pargana.
The Jharkhand High Court has also formed an independent panel to probe alleged infiltration in the region.
Well-placed sources familiar with the development revealed to News Arena India that the ED has registered an ECIR (equivalent to a police FIR) based on a police complaint lodged at Bariatu police station on June 6 in Ranchi district.
“Ranchi police had registered a case after three girls of suspected Bangladeshi origin were detained at a resort in June. The investigation revealed that an organised gang was involved in facilitating their illegal entry into Indian territory via West Bengal by cutting the fencing at the India-Bangladesh international border. Their fake Aadhar cards were also arranged. The ED will investigate the broader scope of the crime and conspiracy,” a highly-placed source confirmed.
The case is based on FIR No. 188 of 2024, dated June 4 this year, under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 34 of the IPC 1860, Section 12 of the Passports Act 1967, and Section 14-A of the Foreigners Act 1946.
According to the FIR, one Nipah Akhtar Khushi, aged 21 and from Bangladesh, was brought to Kolkata by a girl named Manisha Rai with the help of another girl named Jhuma, on the night of May 31 this year. She was illegally smuggled across the Bangladesh border from a jungle area, in connivance with private agents.
The case pertains to the illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi citizens into India, aided by agents who provide them with fake documents to establish Indian citizenship.
Several persons are involved in illegal activities related to infiltration, including creating fake identity proofs, which are linked to the proceeds of crime as per the definition under Section 2 (1)(u) of the PMLA, 2002.
“It is therefore necessary to initiate an investigation into the illegal infiltration of such persons from Bangladesh into India and the agents facilitating these activities, which are aimed at acquiring ‘proceeds of crime’ and committing other criminal activities. Hence, a thorough and comprehensive investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, is warranted,” a source said.
As Jharkhand is set to undergo assembly elections, with schedules likely to be announced anytime in October, the issue of Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration has triggered a war of words between the BJP opposition and the JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand.
The BJP is vociferously raising the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration in Santhal Pargana and parts of the Kolhan division, where the tribal population has drastically fallen, and the Muslim population has risen disproportionately.
Santhal Pargana division consists of six districts, of which four—Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, and Dumka—are the most affected by infiltration and illegal settlements.
These districts border West Bengal, which facilitates infiltration. The BJP has alleged that these infiltrators sneak in under the pretext of searching for jobs. Later, they marry tribal girls, occupy their land, and settle there with other infiltrators.
They also capture forest and government land, enjoying protection from the JMM and the Congress.
Two days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address in Jamshedpur, warned that tribal identity and property are at risk in Jharkhand due to infiltration and criticised the state government headed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
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