Karnataka Government Reports 137 Illegal Immigrants Under Surveillance, Including Nationals from Pakistan and Bangladesh
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has reported 137 illegal immigrants, including individuals from Pakistan and Bangladesh, and is ensuring their movements are being monitored. Home Minister G. Parameshwara assured that legal actions are in progress, and measures are being taken to prevent further illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
- 137 illegal immigrants identified in Karnataka.
- Authorities are monitoring movements of Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals.
- 25 Pakistani nationals currently detained.
- Illegal immigrants located across various regions, including Bengaluru.
- Government committed to strict actions against illegal immigration.
Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka announced on Wednesday that there are 137 illegal immigrants currently residing in the state, comprising individuals from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Authorities have confirmed that they are actively monitoring the movements of these individuals from the neighboring countries.
Out of the 137 identified illegal immigrants, 25 are from Pakistan.
During an Assembly session addressing the urgent issue of illegal immigration, Karnataka's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, stated that, as of now, 137 illegal immigrants from various nations, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have been recognized, detained, and legal proceedings have commenced against them.
"We have repeatedly informed the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the respective embassies. Until deportation occurs, these individuals will continue to be monitored. We will hold illegal immigrants at the Foreigners' Detention Centre and will return them once we obtain deportation authorization," he elaborated.
Currently, 25 illegal immigrants from Pakistan are under detention.
Moreover, nationals from Bangladesh and other regions have also been apprehended.
Illegal immigrants have been located across different areas, including Bengaluru city (84), Bengaluru Rural (27), Shivamogga (12), Hassan (3), Mangaluru (1), and Udupi (10).
In 2016, authorities deported 33 Bangladeshi nationals residing in Bijapur, the Minister mentioned.
"No illegal immigrants from Bangladesh or Pakistan will be permitted to remain in the state. Continuous monitoring is in place. Bengaluru witnesses thousands of daily arrivals, including many foreign nationals. Some African nationals are implicated in drug trafficking, which is a significant issue. They will face consequences. Numerous Bangladeshis have been identified and sent back," Parameshwara assured the Assembly.
He also discussed illegal immigrants working in coffee plantations in Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, noting that they frequently take on jobs as laborers and remain concealed within the estates.
"Tracking them poses challenges as they inhabit private areas. However, based on received intel, we are able to locate them. Many of these immigrants succeed in acquiring ration cards, identity cards, and even voter ID cards. The network facilitating this is extensive, and we are diligently monitoring the situation," Parameshwara stated.
"Upon identification, illegal immigrants are arrested and deported. The government will not compromise on this issue," he reaffirmed.
Addressing the rising threat of illegal firearms, Parameshwara revealed that authorities confiscated three country-made pistols and six live rounds in 2022; in 2023, three pistols and twelve live rounds were seized; in 2024, one country-made pistol and one live bullet were found; and in 2025, 13 country-made pistols along with 28 live rounds were recovered in Bijapur district alone.
"This presents a significant challenge to law enforcement, and stringent actions are being implemented," he added.
Concerning the land mafia, Parameshwara stated, "A total of 27 cases have been filed. Chargesheets are completed in eight cases. Reports are pending in nine cases, while investigations are active in another nine cases."
"This poses a major challenge to law enforcement, and strict action is being taken," he reiterated.
Actions have been initiated against approximately 173 accused individuals, he noted.
He emphasized that elderly individuals are being targeted, with fraudsters exploiting their ration cards and identity documents to illegally sell their land through forged registrations.
Parameshwara also highlighted the unlawful sale of ration rice, indicating that ration shops hold onto rice intended for public distribution and later sell it to commercial entities through a widespread network operating throughout the state.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who raised the issue, asserted that illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh and involving Rohingyas, represents one of the nation’s most significant challenges.
"If this situation remains unchecked, Karnataka may become akin to West Bengal. Rohingyas, in particular, are known for their violent behavior. They are infiltrating coffee estates," he claimed.
He further cautioned that unregulated Bangladeshi immigration poses a grave threat to the state’s peace and security.
He urged the Central government to establish a unit of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at the state's border to monitor and prevent such activities.
