New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) In a significant operation targeting illegal immigration, the Kurar Police of Mumbai have apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals for unlawfully residing in the city using counterfeit identity documents.

The arrests occurred following a series of well-coordinated operations executed in the Pathanwadi area of Malad East, according to police officials who provided updates on Sunday.

The operation was initiated after the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) officer linked to the Kurar Police Station received specific intelligence regarding Bangladeshi nationals living unlawfully in the locality and sustaining themselves through fraudulent identities. Acting promptly on the intelligence received, the Kurar Police, in collaboration with the ATC team, conducted joint raids on February 2, 4, and 6.

During these raids, four suspects were detained from various locations in Pathanwadi. Upon thorough interrogation, all four confessed to being Bangladeshi citizens who had entered India without valid travel or immigration documents. A preliminary investigation led to the seizure of multiple documents affirming their Bangladeshi nationality, including Bangladesh Permanent Residence Certificates, Bangladeshi Citizenship Certificates, and Bangladesh National ID cards.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Tahir Jamal Sardar (30), Mohammad Abdul Momin alias Mohammad Latif (52), Nazrul Islam Sher Ali Vishwas (41), and Mohammad Ismail Hak alias Mohammad Tahir Rahman (46). The police reported that all of them were residing in the Pathanwadi area of Malad East and were involved in various small businesses for their livelihood.

Investigations indicated that the accused had crossed into Indian territory illegally several years ago and managed to remain undetected for an extended period by utilizing forged or concealed identities. Following their arrest, legal actions have been initiated under relevant laws concerning illegal entry and stay in India.

Senior Police Inspector Sanjeev Tawade mentioned that based on specific intelligence inputs, a collaborative operation was executed by the Kurar Police and the ATC, culminating in the detention of four Bangladeshi nationals and the recovery of documents validating their citizenship.

Authorities have confirmed that deportation proceedings to Bangladesh have begun, and efforts are in progress to secure a Restriction Order from the concerned authorities to facilitate their lawful removal from India.

This operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP Mahesh Chimte, with Senior PI Sanjeev Tawade leading the on-ground efforts. The swift and coordinated response of the Kurar Police is being regarded as a substantial achievement in combating illegal immigration and reinforcing internal security in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

Authorities have also stated that further investigations are ongoing to uncover whether the accused had any local facilitators or connections that aided their illegal residency.