Delhi: Were Five Men Posing as Transgender Women Among 18 Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic crackdown, Delhi Police's Foreigner Cell detained 18 Bangladeshi nationals, including five men posing as transgender women. The operation reveals a complex web of illegal immigration tactics aimed at evading law enforcement. What measures will authorities take next?
Key Takeaways
- 18 Bangladeshi nationals arrested during a police operation.
- Five individuals disguised as transgender women to evade law enforcement.
- Suspects used makeup and traditional attire to alter their appearance.
- Seven smartphones seized with banned communication apps.
- Legal actions underway, including deportation procedures.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) In a significant operation targeting illegal immigration, the Foreigner Cell of the Delhi Police apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals, including five individuals masquerading as transgender women, during a well-coordinated combing effort in Ashok Vihar, North-West Delhi.
This action was the result of weeks of surveillance and actionable intelligence. Police teams executed a thorough verification process across more than 100 jhuggis and 150 lanes, effectively cordoning off the area to prevent any suspects from escaping.
During the operation, a dubious individual was halted for verification. Initially reluctant to cooperate, he eventually admitted to being a Bangladeshi national residing in India without valid travel documents.
Following the information provided, police discovered and detained 12 additional family members, comprising 10 adults and three children, all living illegally within the country. In another part of the crackdown, police identified five individuals engaged in street begging who presented themselves as transgender women.
The Delhi Police reported that these individuals had transformed their physical appearance to resemble women by utilizing heavy makeup, traditional female clothing such as sarees and salwar suits, artificial hair (wigs), bangles, bindis, breast enhancement techniques, and other feminine accessories.
"Some had even modified their voice and body language to closely imitate female mannerisms. These calculated actions seemed designed to enable them to blend into crowded areas and exploit social sensitivities toward women and transgender individuals, complicating the identification and verification processes by law enforcement agencies," stated Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West) Sikandar Singh.
Upon thorough questioning, they revealed that they had adopted these disguises and had even undergone minor surgeries and hormonal treatments to change their sex and appearance in an attempt to evade detection.
From the suspects, seven smartphones were confiscated, all equipped with the banned IMO app, which is used for communication with contacts in Bangladesh.
The utilization of prohibited apps and illegal residency constitutes a direct violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, along with other immigration regulations.
All 18 individuals have been taken into custody and moved to the Foreigner Cell for further questioning and legal processing.
A deportation process is being initiated in collaboration with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration facing our nation. The recent arrests underscore the need for enhanced vigilance and effective immigration policies to safeguard our borders while also addressing the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. Our approach must be balanced and compassionate, ensuring justice and protection for all.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrests of the Bangladeshi nationals?
The arrests were a result of weeks of surveillance and targeted intelligence operations conducted by the Foreigner Cell of the Delhi Police.
How did the suspects disguise themselves?
The suspects altered their appearance using heavy makeup, traditional female attire, and even underwent minor surgeries and hormonal treatments.
What laws were violated by the suspects?
The suspects violated the Foreigners Act, 1946, and other immigration laws by residing in India without valid documents.
What was found during the operation?
Police seized seven smartphones from the suspects, all installed with the banned IMO app used for communication with contacts in Bangladesh.
What actions will be taken against the detained individuals?
The detained individuals are undergoing interrogation and legal processing, with deportation procedures initiated in coordination with the FRRO.
