Pakistani national Sarada Bai, staying in Odisha, ordered to leave India; appeals to stay

In a poignant turn of events, the Bolangir District Police Headquarters on Saturday issued a formal directive ordering Sarada Bai, a Pakistani national, to leave India immediately. Authorities confirmed that her visa has been cancelled and she has been instructed to return to Pakistan without delay.

Sarada Bai, who has been living in Odisha for more than 35 years, now faces the prospect of leaving behind the life and family she built over decades.

Married into a Hindu family in Bolangir, she had tied the knot with Mahesh Kukreja several years ago. Despite having essential documents like a voter ID, Sarada was never granted Indian citizenship, which has now led to her precarious situation.

The police authorities have warned that if she fails to comply with the expulsion order, legal action will be initiated against her as per Indian law. This move comes amid a larger national effort to identify and remove foreign nationals, particularly from sensitive backgrounds, following heightened security concerns post the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed recently.

“In a heartfelt conversation with OTV, Sarada and her son shared their deep concerns, their voices trembling with emotion.

"I have lived here for so many years, made friends, raised my children… this is my home," said Sharada, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I have a Pakistani passport and an Indian voter ID card. It has now been around 35 years since I have been staying in India. I first came to Koraput, got married, and settled in Bolangir. I have heard the news about the deportation of Pakistani nationals. Since I came here, I am supporting India, I will never go back to Pakistan as there is nobody there,” said Sarada, adding that she doesn’t want to go back to Pakistan as her family is in India.

Sarada’s husband, son, and daughter are Indians. Under the present situation, she has requested that the government not separate her from her family.

Sarada Bai’s emotional plea to the government has touched many hearts. Folding her hands in a humble request, she has appealed to be allowed to continue living in India, the country she has called home for over three decades. 

Meanwhile, the Bolangir Police have reiterated that they are bound by official directives and will act according to legal mandates if necessary. The situation remains tense, with many watching closely to see if Sarada Bai's heartfelt appeal will lead to any intervention.