31 Bangladeshi Nationals Moved to Malda as Bengaluru’s Operation Mukta Continues

Bengaluru’s crackdown on suspected undocumented immigrants has entered another phase with 31 Bangladeshi nationals being moved to West Bengal for further repatriation formalities, as police continue Operation Mukta, a verification drive launched on August 8.

The operation aims to identify suspected foreign nationals living without valid documents and verify their identities, citizenship and immigration status. Police have conducted searches in Whitefield and Electronic City, deploying hundreds of personnel. During an August 8 drive in the Electronic City division, 1,909 people were detained for verification and 15 were identified as Bangladeshi nationals, according to police.

The legal process does not end with detention. Police have said that when documents or other evidence indicate that a person is a foreign national staying illegally, the case is referred to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for further action. Where unauthorised stay is established, deportation proceedings are initiated in accordance with applicable law and official orders.

The group of 31, secured by police from 10 different station jurisdictions, was escorted by 20 police personnel from SMVT Bengaluru Terminal to Malda Railway Station in West Bengal. They are expected to reach Malda on Tuesday, where officials will undertake further procedures before the next stage of repatriation. The transfer to Malda is an intermediate step, not the final handover to Bangladesh.

Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has urged residents to share credible information about suspected illegal immigrants and cooperate with authorities. At the same time, he has issued a warning: citizens must not take the law into their own hands.

The message is significant because public reporting must remain within the legal system. Police are expected to verify documents and backgrounds rather than treating suspicion alone as proof of illegal status.

With Operation Mukta continuing, Bengaluru Police have indicated that checks will remain ongoing across different police-station limits. The focus is on identifying undocumented foreign nationals and pursuing lawful action. Officials stressed that Indian citizens cleared during verification will not face action under this operation.