Bengaluru Police Detain 105 Suspected Illegal Immigrants In ‘Operation Mukta’

Bengaluru Police have detained 105 people suspected of being illegal immigrants during a citywide checking drive launched on August 8, officials said on Monday.

The operation, named ‘Operation Mukta’, aims to identify foreign nationals living in Bengaluru without proper documents. Police said some of those detained are suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals, but their documents are still being checked to confirm their nationality.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said around 2,900 people have been verified so far. Some documents have been taken for further checks, while searches are continuing in different parts of the city.

“ Some more searches are still underway,” Singh told reporters, adding that police would have more clarity after the verification process is completed.

Around 48 teams were formed under the Joint Commissioner of Police, East, along with a Central Crime Branch team led by the Additional Commissioner of Police, CCB. Checks have been carried out across the Whitefield, Southeast and Electronic City divisions.

Singh said the drive covers suspected illegal foreign nationals irrespective of their nationality. Police are checking whether those staying in the city have valid documents.

The operation has also faced allegations that police did not properly follow the required standard operating procedure. Singh said the entire exercise has been videographed and that checks are being conducted according to the SOP.

“ If we find that the SOP has not been followed properly, we will certainly take action against our personnel, ” he said.

The commissioner also warned activists against taking the law into their own hands. He said some activists had visited locations during the checks and created disturbances.

“ If anyone has any information, they should inform the police, ” Singh said, adding that the police were capable of taking the necessary action.

For foreign nationals found to be staying illegally, Singh said the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer would be informed. The established rules and procedures would then be followed for deportation.