Police in West Bengal have arrested a Bangladeshi national allegedly residing illegally in the country and sheltering at the home of an All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat member in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas district, officials confirmed on Saturday, 17 May 2025. The accused, identified as Shahidul Gazi, was first detained by local residents on Friday night before being handed over to the police.

How the Arrest Unfolded

According to local residents, it was the community — not law enforcement — that initially acted. Locals detained Shahidul Gazi themselves and subsequently handed him over to the police, after claiming that repeated complaints to Hingalganj police station had gone unaddressed for years. Basirhat Police District Superintendent Alaknanda Bhawal confirmed: 'Legal action was initiated last night. The intruder has been arrested and produced before the court for further proceedings.'

What Shahidul Gazi Allegedly Said

Before his formal arrest, Shahidul allegedly told reporters: 'I came here in 2007 after crossing the border. Then Trinamool panchayat member Joynal Abedin gave me shelter. He took my photograph and arranged for my voter identity card. Joynal also arranged for my father to get a voter card through his acquaintance Golam Gazi. Later, I also made an Aadhaar card.'

Shahidul allegedly added that he worked at Joynal Abedin's fish market in the Sandal Bill area of Hingalganj before later shifting to another locality in the same area. He reportedly married in Hingalganj and has a wife and children there. 'My wife and children are all here. I could not return because of restrictions at the border. As soon as the situation normalises, I will return to Bangladesh with them. I will not return to India again,' he allegedly said.

TMC Leader Joynal Abedin Goes Missing

Since the incident came to light, Joynal Abedin — identified as a Trinamool Congress panchayat member — and his family members have reportedly fled the area. Police have launched a search operation to trace him. The allegations, if proven, would implicate a sitting local representative in facilitating illegal immigration, document fraud, and voter roll manipulation — serious charges with wider political ramifications.

Notably, this comes amid heightened national scrutiny over illegal immigration from Bangladesh following recent border-security debates in Parliament. Hingalganj, located along the India-Bangladesh border in North 24 Parganas, has historically been flagged as a sensitive infiltration corridor.

Political Reactions

Ananda Sarkar, the defeated Trinamool Congress candidate from Hingalganj, was cautious in his response. 'We need to investigate the matter first. How can I answer your question without an inquiry? I will be able to comment after examining the facts,' he said.

Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Palash Sarkar took a harder line, alleging that those sheltering illegal immigrants would face action. 'A BJP government is now functioning in the state. Those Trinamool leaders who are still sheltering infiltrators should remain careful. The police are no longer acting as party slaves and are working impartially. Those supporting infiltration will be arrested and sent to jail,' he said.

What Happens Next

Shahidul Gazi has been produced before a court for further legal proceedings. The search for Joynal Abedin is ongoing. Authorities are also expected to probe the alleged voter identity card and Aadhaar card irregularities named in Shahidul's statement. The case is likely to intensify political pressure on the Trinamool Congress ahead of upcoming local body elections in West Bengal.