New Delhi: In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, the Foreigners Cell of the North-West District Police apprehended seven Bangladeshi nationals, including five transgenders, from the Shalimar Bagh area of Delhi. This operation was the result of a sustained surveillance effort aimed at identifying and deporting individuals staying in India without valid documents.
Among those arrested was Suhan Khan, a Bangladeshi national who had earlier been deported on May 15, 2025, by the same unit. However, Khan managed to re-enter India illegally and was apprehended again on June 30, 2025. His re-entry and subsequent arrest highlight the recurring challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling illegal immigration, as well as the Delhi Police’s unwavering vigilance in addressing the issue.
During the operation, officers recovered three smartphones from the arrested individuals. These phones were found to have the banned IMO app installed, which was reportedly being used to maintain contact with their families in Bangladesh.
Targeted Operation
The operation was part of a broader special drive focusing on illegal Bangladeshi migrants, particularly in areas under the jurisdiction of PS Shalimar Bagh. The drive involved a multi-agency team that carried out intelligence-based operations across various urban zones, including main roads, inner streets, local neighborhoods, and traffic intersections.
The surveillance and subsequent apprehensions were executed under the close supervision of Inspector Vipin Kumar, In-charge of the Foreigners Cell, and overall guidance of ACP Ranjeev Kumar of the CAW Cell. The team included officers and constables from PS Adarsh Nagar and PS Jahangir Puri, such as ASI Rajender Singh, Ct. Rohit Ranjan, Insp. Net Ram, HC Pooran, SI Shyam Bir, SI Sapan, HC Vikram, HC Praveen, HC Vikash Yadav, Ct. Hawa Singh, and Ct. Deepak Bangar.
Arrests Based on Suspicious Identity Claims
As part of the operation, five transgender individuals were found begging at various locations across the district. Their claims of Indian nationality aroused suspicion during initial questioning, prompting deeper verification. Upon detailed interrogation, all five were confirmed to be Bangladeshi citizens residing illegally in India, in violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946.
In addition, two more individuals — one adult male and one adult female — were apprehended during the early hours of June 30. They, too, were found to be Bangladeshi nationals without valid documentation, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.
Details of Apprehended Individuals
The arrested individuals and their details are as follows:
- Shajeeb @ Ruposhy, Transgender, 31 – From Azampur, Brambariya District, Bangladesh
- Munmun, Transgender, 41 – From Narayanganj, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
- Foisal @ Junaki, Transgender, 19 – From Jamalpur District, Bangladesh
- Suhan Khan, Transgender, 30 – From Sylhet District, Bangladesh (previously deported)
- Farida Khatun, Transgender, 40 – From Azampur, Brambariya District, Bangladesh
- Tashlima, Female, 50 – From Faridpur, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
- Kurban Ali, 26 – From Faridpur, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
All arrested individuals were found to be residing in various areas of the North-West District without passports, valid visas, or residential permits. They were taken into custody and shifted to the Foreigners Cell for further legal processing and documentation.
Evidence and Further Action
The police recovered three smartphones during the arrests. These devices had the banned IMO communication app installed, which the individuals reportedly used to maintain contact with their families in Bangladesh. The use of the prohibited app further points to the covert methods employed by illegal immigrants to avoid detection and stay connected internationally.
Officials confirmed that the individuals were in clear violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and other immigration laws. Authorities are now working in coordination with relevant agencies to initiate deportation procedures for the apprehended migrants. Investigations are ongoing to identify any possible network aiding such illegal entries into the country.
Message from Law Enforcement
A senior police official stated that the operation underlines Delhi Police’s ongoing commitment to protecting national security and ensuring strict enforcement of immigration laws. He further noted that repeated illegal re-entry attempts, such as in the case of Suhan Khan, will not go unnoticed and will be dealt with firmly.
The Delhi Police has assured that special surveillance drives will continue in the coming weeks to identify and apprehend other such illegal immigrants across the national capital.
