Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested by the Urva police on Monday, 13 July during a special verification drive in Mangaluru, Karnataka, as city police intensified their crackdown on illegal immigrants believed to be living and working across the coastal city. The arrests mark the latest action under an ongoing operation launched across all police station limits within the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate.

How the Arrests Unfolded

The three individuals were identified when officers were conducting identity verification of workers at a building in the KPT-Kuntikana area. During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals residing in India without valid documentation. Their interrogation subsequently led investigators to another group of suspected illegal migrants, who are also being questioned.

Separately, around eight suspected Bangladeshi nationals were traced working as construction labourers at Mukka in Surathkal. They have since been shifted to a temporary holding facility set up within the premises of Mukka Hospital, where officials from the police Intelligence wing and other investigating agencies are conducting further interrogation.

Scope of the Operation

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy had, approximately a month ago, directed all police stations under the commissionerate to launch a special drive after receiving intelligence inputs that illegal Bangladeshi migrants had infiltrated several parts of the city. Authorities suspect migrants are residing in localities including Surathkal, Katipalla, Ullal, Bengre, and Dakke.

According to police, illegal migrants are believed to have found employment in the construction sector, road projects, small and large industries, port-related activities, and the fishing sector — all key economic arteries of this coastal district.

What Investigators Are Probing

Authorities are working to establish the full scale of illegal migration into the region — including how many individuals entered, where they are currently staying, and crucially, who facilitated their movement and employment. Investigators are examining the alleged role of agents or middlemen who reportedly helped migrants secure work and accommodation, and are also scrutinising financial transactions and local contacts.

This comes amid heightened sensitivity around communal dynamics in Mangaluru, a city that has periodically seen tension and is under close administrative watch. The operation is notable for its breadth, covering not just the city limits but extending to surrounding industrial and port areas.

What Happens Next

Authorities confirmed the operation will continue in the coming days to identify and apprehend additional illegal migrants and those who may have assisted them in entering or remaining in the country unlawfully. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are possible as verification drives expand across more localities.