Is TMC Turning Bengal into a Haven for Illegal Infiltrators?

Synopsis
Amit Malviya's recent cartoon raises eyebrows as he suggests TMC is facilitating illegal Bangladeshi infiltration in West Bengal. His claims follow the arrest of an infiltrator linked to money laundering and fake identity documents. The ongoing investigation unveils a wider network, prompting concern over the state's governance.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Malviya uses a cartoon to criticize TMC.
- The cartoon's tagline suggests TMC aids illegal infiltration.
- Recent arrests reveal a network of counterfeit documents.
- The investigation highlights serious allegations against both Bangladeshi and Indian nationals.
- The role of local agents in facilitating illegal entry is crucial to understand.
Kolkata, April 28 (NationPress) The chief of BJP’s Information Technology (IT) cell and central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, made headlines on Monday by utilizing a striking cartoon alongside the phrase “Join TMC, Become Citizen” to accuse the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress of transforming the state into a welcoming ground for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
This cartoon was inspired by the recent apprehension of an illegal Bangladeshi infiltrator, Ahammed Hossain Azad, by officials from the Enforcement Directorate. Investigations uncovered that Azad was not only residing in West Bengal unlawfully but was also implicated in money laundering and the provision of counterfeit Indian identity documents for illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
The cartoon features a depiction of a woman, presumably representing Mamata Banerjee, behind a counter displaying a sign that reads “Seva Kendra- One stop for every document”.
At the counter, there are three slogans: “Welcome New Voters, Join TMC, Become Citizen”, “AADHAAR, Voter ID, Ration, Pan”, and “No document required, no question asked”.
Additionally, the counter board includes a tagline stating “Special Assistance available for Rohingyas & Bangladeshi”.
Since the beginning of this year, numerous arrests have transpired in connection with operations carried out in the state, targeting those involved in the production of counterfeit Indian identity documents, including passports, for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Last month, the Kolkata Police submitted a charge sheet in a case concerning a forged passport scam at a lower court in Kolkata. This document highlighted that out of 130 individuals mentioned, 120 were Bangladeshi residents while the rest were Indian nationals.
The primary allegations against the Bangladeshi nationals involve hefty payments made to obtain fake Indian passports.
Conversely, the Indian nationals face charges for acting as facilitators in the arrangement of fraudulent Indian identity documents for these infiltrators.
Previously, Kolkata Police apprehended Abdul Hai, a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector, whose involvement was detailed in the charge sheet.
This document outlined Hai's financial gains from 52 police verification clearances where he served as the inquiry officer.
The ongoing investigations into the counterfeit Indian identity document networks have revealed a specific modus operandi.
Infiltrators crossing into Indian territory illegally reach out to local agents, expressing their willingness to pay substantial sums for counterfeit Indian identity documents. They are initially provided safe houses in various bordering villages adjacent to Bangladesh, both on land and along the coast.
Subsequently, the agents procure fake ration cards for them, which serve as the foundational step for acquiring other identity documents. With the fake ration cards in hand, they can then obtain identification documents like EPIC, PAN, and Aadhaar cards. The final phase involves securing counterfeit passports based on these fraudulent identity documents.