Assam Police apprehended 25 suspected illegal infiltrators attempting to cross into India through the international border on the night of 25 October, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. The individuals were turned back to their place of origin, with the operation carried out in coordination between the state police and the Border Security Force (BSF).

What the Chief Minister Said

Sarma shared details of the operation via a post on social media platform X on Saturday, praising the Assam Police for its swift action. “In a happy hunting by the boys of @assampolice last night, 25 illegal infiltrators who were trying to cross over to India were apprehended red handed and turned back to their origin,” he wrote. He added that the BSF and Assam Police remained alert along the borders, with a firm resolve to prevent unauthorised entry into the country. Notably, Sarma did not disclose the precise location of the operation or reveal details about the identities of the 25 individuals.

Part of a Wider Crackdown

Saturday’s operation is the latest in a series of intensified actions by the Assam government against suspected illegal immigrants. In September, police detained 27 Bangladeshi nationals — including women and minors — in separate operations in Guwahati and Rangiya, after they allegedly failed to produce documents establishing their legal status in India. Authorities said further action would follow the prescribed legal process. On 19 October, Chief Minister Sarma announced that police had apprehended 24 foreign nationals from different homestays following specific intelligence inputs. The state has also stepped up action against suspected illegal immigrants found staying in hotels and other accommodation facilities.

Border Context and Security Framework

Assam shares an international border with Bangladesh, making border management a critical security priority for the state. The BSF is the primary agency responsible for guarding this international boundary, while Assam Police conduct ground operations and investigations to identify suspected illegal entrants. This division of responsibility has underpinned the recent surge in coordinated operations. Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly stated that the state government is committed to making Assam free of illegal infiltration, citing concerns over border security, demographic shifts, and the protection of the state’s cultural identity.

What Happens Next

Authorities have not detailed any further legal proceedings related to Saturday’s operation, given that the individuals were reportedly turned back rather than detained for prosecution. According to reports, the state government is expected to continue its intensified border surveillance and identity verification drives in the weeks ahead. The sustained tempo of operations suggests that border security will remain a central policy and political priority for the Assam government through the coming months.