Should Karnataka Take Action Against Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants?

Synopsis
Ramesh N. R. has raised alarming concerns regarding the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Karnataka, seeking immediate intervention from government officials. The implications of this issue stretch far beyond local governance, potentially influencing the integrity of upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Over 50,000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants reportedly reside in Bengaluru.
- Concerns raised about the issuance of fake documents by local officials.
- Illegal immigrants are employed at lower than minimum wages.
- The potential impact on local elections is alarming.
- Calls for immediate government action to address the issue.
Bengaluru, May 9 (NationPress) Ramesh N. R., a prominent BJP leader and former president of the BJP Bengaluru South District Unit, has called on Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Director General of Police Alok Mohan to swiftly address the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants reportedly residing in Bengaluru and other regions of the state with fraudulent documents.
Ramesh asserted that for over 13 years, more than 50,000 Bangladeshi nationals have been illegally present in areas under the Mahadevapura, K.R. Puram, and Bengaluru South Assembly constituencies, affecting localities like Marathahalli Junction, K.R. Puram Lake, Jakkasandra Junction, Kundalahalli Gate, Munnekolalu, Kadubeesanahalli, Devarabeesanahalli, Hulimavu, and Chikka Begur.
He alleged that these individuals have managed to secure ration cards, voter ID cards, and Aadhaar cards through illicit methods, facilitated by local agents and corrupt officials.
Ramesh referenced past complaints made in 2013-14 and 2015-16, supported by documentary evidence, claiming a recent sting operation unveiled how these infiltrators entered India and acquired forged documentation.
According to Ramesh, many of these individuals are employed as ragpickers and security personnel in malls, multiplexes, and residential areas throughout eastern Bengaluru.
He further alleged their employment in coffee estates in the Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts, often earning below the legal minimum wage, which he argued fosters the exploitation of these individuals by “anti-national” entities.
Ramesh accused certain revenue officers, assistant revenue officers, revenue inspectors, and tax inspectors of issuing voter ID cards without sufficient verification in exchange for bribes. Additionally, he claimed that private agencies responsible for Aadhaar registrations were complicit in these activities.
He cautioned that the extent of illegal immigration could potentially sway BBMP elections, stating, “It would not be surprising if one or two infiltrators are elected as corporators.”
Ramesh demanded stringent legal measures against both the infiltrators and those who facilitated the issuance of documents, asserting that “granting Indian identity to foreign nationals for money poses a serious threat to national security and constitutes an act of treason.”
He urged the government to scrutinize the documents and video evidence he has presented and to ensure the prompt deportation of those illegally residing in the country.