Odisha intensifies crackdown on illegal Bangladeshis; removal from state workforce underway

The Odisha government has launched an intensified crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, vowing to remove undocumented foreign nationals from the state workforce and initiate deportation proceedings under existing legal frameworks.

In an interaction with the media, State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Monday confirmed that all government and private sector firms, particularly outsourcing agencies, would be barred from employing Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in Odisha.

"We have a stated position to identify Bangladeshis staying illegally in the state. Now, we will make sure that no Bangladeshi is engaged through any outsourcing company," the minister said, as reported by The Times of India.

Government agencies are now working closely with engineering firms and other employers to ensure strict compliance.

Private companies have been instructed to conduct background checks on all employees and terminate the services of undocumented workers. Failure to comply will invite legal action under the Foreigners Act and other applicable laws.

STF Appointed as Nodal Agency

Reports have also mentioned that the Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch has been appointed the nodal agency to lead the multi-departmental crackdown.

It will coordinate with the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Railway Protection Force, district police, and intelligence agencies to conduct large-scale identification and removal drives.

STF DIG Pinak Mishra stated that new guidelines are being formulated to identify hotspots of illegal immigrants, verify documents, and set up a reporting mechanism to prevent infiltration.

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Coastal Districts Under Scanner

The crackdown is being rolled out in phases, with the initial focus on six coastal districts considered vulnerable due to access via sea routes, including Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Puri, Balasore, and Ganjam.

According to official records, 3,740 Bangladeshi nationals were identified as illegal residents in Odisha as of 2021. Of these, 1,649 were in Kendrapada and 1,112 in Jagatsinghpur. The numbers are expected to have risen significantly since, as per TOI.