Crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants intensifies across Odisha

A massive crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is underway across several districts of Odisha, with police and administration stepping up surveillance and verification drives. Security checks have been intensified, particularly in coastal regions, following intelligence inputs about suspected infiltration.

In Bhadrak district, the operation has been launched in full swing at the Kasia Marine Police Station limits under Basudevpur block. Early on Friday morning, police teams began thorough inspections at the Kasia fishing jetty, a key point where boats frequently move into deep-sea areas.

Officials are closely monitoring all fishing vessels leaving for the sea as part of efforts to identify and track suspected Bangladeshi nationals. Verification of identity documents, boat crew details, and movement patterns is being carried out, sources said.

Police authorities stated that the heightened vigil is part of a statewide coordinated action to detect and detain those staying illegally without valid documents. Similar drives are also being conducted in other coastal districts.

The crackdown is expected to continue in the coming days as part of a sustained effort to strengthen coastal and internal security in Odisha.

Notably, on Thursday, police raided the residence of Sikandar Alam, the prime accused in providing rented accommodation to Bangladeshis. The raid was conducted at Sikandar’s house located in the Dhanipur slum in Jagatsinghpur. An Additional SP and the SDPO, along with two platoons of police force, were deployed during the raid.

Earlier, police had demolished a suspected hideout in Beherampur and arrested four individuals believed to be Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Also Read: Odisha BJP Chief Manmohan Samal Credits Party Workers For Nuapada Bypoll Victory

In Bhadrak, 17 suspected youths were detained after days of surveillance, while Keonjhar recently observed a 12-hour shutdown demanding action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.