Central agencies have arrested a suspected illegal immigration syndicate member and nine Bangladeshi nationals in a joint operation at Kottarakkara in Kollam district, Kerala, in a significant crackdown on an alleged network facilitating illegal entry and forged identity documents. The operation, conducted on 8 June, was led by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Military Intelligence as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign nationals residing illegally in the state.

Who Was Arrested

The key accused has been identified as Mamtaz Beegum, a native of Nishanbaria in the Morrelganj, Chautabunia area of Bagerhat district, Bangladesh. Investigators allege she played a central role in facilitating the illegal entry and settlement of Bangladeshi nationals across various parts of Kerala.

The nine Bangladeshi nationals arrested alongside her had reportedly been working at a scrap business in Kottarakkara that was allegedly operating under Beegum's supervision for the past three months.

Scale of the Alleged Network

Agencies suspect that Beegum recently facilitated the movement of as many as 36 Bangladeshi nationals to different locations across Kerala, with many of them employed in scrap collection and trading activities run through her network. Officials stated that Beegum had been visiting India from Bangladesh since childhood — allegedly using routes along the West Bengal border for the past 15 years to facilitate cross-border movement.

Investigators further allege that she obtained Indian identity documents, including a voter identity card and a ration card, and subsequently established multiple scrap shops in Karunagappally and other parts of Kollam district. She is also suspected of having acquired three auto-rickshaws for use in her commercial operations.

Documents Seized

During searches, agencies recovered lease agreements, vehicle ownership records, and other papers linked to Beegum's business activities. Aadhaar cards were seized from the nine Bangladeshi nationals in custody; while most are under verification, officials confirmed that two of the Aadhaar cards recovered were genuine. Bangladeshi National Identity Cards were also recovered from the accused.

Political and Official Links Under Probe

The investigation has widened beyond the arrested individuals. Sources indicate that the role of local facilitators is being examined, with investigators probing allegations that a politician and certain government officials may have helped secure voter identity and ration cards for Beegum. An Akshaya Centre is also reportedly under the scanner for its suspected role in facilitating documentation and identity-related services.

This comes amid heightened national scrutiny over illegal immigration through the Bangladesh border, with multiple states reporting similar networks. The Kerala operation is among the more significant busts in recent months given the alleged depth of document forgery and the scale of the network. Investigators are expected to expand the probe as verification of the seized documents continues.