West Bengal Police Register Illegal Migrants at Hakimpur Border
Dozens of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have gathered at the Hakimpur border in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district as authorities continue verification and registration procedures. The latest update from the border area shows increasing movement of families seeking to return to Bangladesh amid heightened checks and the establishment of holding centres for illegal migrants.
Police officials have set up a registration desk near the Hakimpur border outpost, where migrant details are being recorded before further action is taken. The development has triggered fresh discussion around illegal migration, border security, and identity verification in the state.
Police Investigation Continues at Hakimpur Border
Officials on the ground said records of more than 350 Bangladeshi nationals have been prepared since Monday. Around 50 to 60 people remained present near the border on Wednesday carrying bags, blankets, and personal documents.
Many of those gathered claimed they had entered India years ago through agents or middlemen in search of work opportunities. Several migrants said increasing document checks and repeated police visits in recent months created fear of detention and forced them to leave rented accommodations across Kolkata and nearby areas.
Among those waiting at the border was Salam Dali, a carpenter who claimed he had entered India from Bangladesh’s Khulna district nearly five years ago after paying money to a middleman. He said authorities informed them to leave as they lacked proper documents.
Another migrant, Hidoy Mulla, stated that he had grown up in Madhyamgram after his parents allegedly crossed into India in 2001. He claimed local police repeatedly sought proof of residence prior to 2002 during document verification drives.
Mulla said he possessed Aadhaar, PAN card, ration card, and school certificates, but alleged that his voter ID applications had been rejected several times. He added that while his parents viewed the move as a return to their country, younger members of the family felt disconnected from Bangladesh.
Holding Centres Established Across North 24 Parganas
Authorities have shifted several migrants arriving at Hakimpur to temporary holding centres established across the North 24 Parganas district. Officials confirmed that the largest holding centre has been set up at Tentulia inside the Pather Saathi building.
According to officials, 116 Bangladeshi nationals are currently being housed at the facility. Health department teams, police personnel and support staff have been deployed to manage food distribution, security, and medical assistance.
Women gathered near the border said they previously worked as domestic workers, labourers, and rag-pickers in Kolkata’s outskirts before leaving due to growing pressure and identity checks.
One visually impaired family from Khardah also appealed to authorities for immediate return arrangements. The family claimed they had spent more than a decade living in India and had obtained Aadhaar and other documents during their stay.
Aadhaar Cards and Identity Documents Lose Relevance
Several migrants said Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and other documents no longer helped them during verification procedures. Mohammad Ali Munshi, who claimed he was born in India after his father crossed the border decades ago, said the family abandoned most documents before leaving.
Another migrant, Mafuza Khatun from Bangladesh’s Khulna district, alleged that she had voted in elections in India for years before her voter ID was cancelled. She claimed identity documents were prepared through local political and municipal channels during her stay.
Many migrants admitted they had crossed the border illegally through networks operating on both sides. Some said they were brought into India as children and had limited connections remaining in Bangladesh.
BSF Yet to Issue Official Statement
Officials indicated that those currently gathered at Hakimpur would eventually be pushed back to Bangladesh after verification procedures are completed. However, local sources said the pushback process, active until Tuesday night, has reportedly been paused temporarily.
Sources suspect Bangladesh authorities may have temporarily slowed or stopped the acceptance of undocumented migrants from India. The Border Security Force has not issued any official statement on the matter despite repeated attempts for clarification.
The incident details from Hakimpur have once again brought focus on illegal migration, border monitoring, and document verification operations in West Bengal. Authorities continue registration work while police investigation and administrative procedures remain underway.