Is a Family from Bangladesh Illegally Residing in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The Kolkata Police have opened an investigation into the controversial case of a Bangladeshi family allegedly residing illegally in West Bengal. With their names appearing on both Indian and Bangladeshi voter lists, this situation raises serious questions about citizenship and immigration laws.
Key Takeaways
- The Kolkata Police have begun an investigation into a family from Bangladesh.
- The family is allegedly living in India without legal status.
- They are registered in the voter lists of both Bangladesh and India.
- Local residents have raised concerns about their citizenship.
- The situation has implications for immigration laws and policies.
Kolkata, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police initiated an investigation on Saturday regarding claims that a family from Bangladesh has been residing in West Bengal illegally for several years. The situation has sparked significant concern in Gobardanga, located in North 24 Parganas district, which is adjacent to the international border with Bangladesh.
It was discovered that the entire family is listed in the voter registry of Satkhira, Bangladesh. Simultaneously, they also appear on the voter list in India and possess both voter IDs and Aadhaar cards.
Dr. Gautam Dhali and his family are reportedly living in the country without legal status. The police visited their residence to gather more details concerning the allegations made earlier on Saturday morning.
According to police reports, Taraknath Dhali is registered as a voter at booth number 164 of the Bergum-2 Gram Panchayat within the Gobardanga police jurisdiction. After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that Taraknath and his family members are included in the voter lists of both nations.
Local residents noted that Taraknath's son, Gautam Dhali, is a well-known doctor in the area, which has raised questions about the family’s citizenship status.
“We have received information regarding a Bangladeshi family living unlawfully in the country. We have visited their home, collected relevant documents, and will verify all details before proceeding further. Family members are currently being questioned,” stated a senior officer from the North 24 Parganas district police.
In an interview with the media, Taraknath revealed that he migrated to Bengal from Bangladesh approximately ten years ago. Although Gautam has been residing in North 24 Parganas, he was not forthcoming about how he acquired his voter card and Aadhaar card.
“I haven’t returned to Bangladesh in many years. I have been living here for the last decade,” he stated.
The family's intent regarding applying for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) remains unclear. Locals have indicated that not only Taraknath but several of his relatives have also recently moved from Bangladesh and registered in the voter list.
Regarding this situation, Jhuma Ghosh, the head of the local panchayat, commented, “I was unaware of this incident until I learned about it through the media. I will inform the administration immediately.”
Point of View
It is vital to approach it with a clear lens of fairness and legality. The concerns raised by local residents highlight a broader conversation about the responsibilities and challenges of immigration policy. At NationPress, we advocate for thorough and just investigations that uphold the law while also considering the humanitarian aspects involved.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Kolkata Police investigating this family?
The police are investigating allegations that a family from Bangladesh has been residing illegally in West Bengal for several years, with their names listed in the voter registries of both Bangladesh and India.
What documents do the family members possess?
The family possesses both voter IDs and Aadhaar cards registered in their names, raising questions about their citizenship status.
How long has the family been living in India?
The family claims to have been living in India for approximately ten years.
What actions are the police taking?
The police have visited the family's residence to gather information and collect documents for verification before proceeding further.
What is the response from the local panchayat head?
The local panchayat head, Jhuma Ghosh, stated that she was unaware of the incident until informed by the media and will notify the administration immediately.
