Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.): Amid the ongoing drive against illegal Bangladeshi nationals across West Bengal, 26 suspected Bangladeshi citizens were brought to the Fatafukur Holding Centre in Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri district on Friday and placed under temporary custody.

According to officials, the group comprises 15 women, seven children, and four men. Preliminary information suggests that they had allegedly entered India illegally around three to four years ago through border areas and had been residing in different parts of the state since then.

Sources said many of them were engaged in informal occupations such as rickshaw-pulling, painting, and other daily-wage work. During their stay, some had settled with their families, and a number of children were reportedly born in India.

The development comes in the wake of fresh directives aimed at identifying and processing foreign nationals residing in the state without valid documentation. As part of the exercise, authorities have begun shifting such individuals to designated holding centres established in various districts pending verification and further legal action.

The 26 individuals were reportedly transported by bus from the Islampur area to the Fatafukur Holding Centre.

Officials said extensive security arrangements have been put in place at the facility. The premises have been secured with tin barricades and equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. Basic amenities, including accommodation, food, drinking water, and sanitation facilities, have also been arranged for those being housed at the centre.

To ensure round-the-clock security, police personnel and civic volunteers have been deployed at the facility on a 24-hour basis.

The administration stated that the individuals will remain at the holding centre until the completion of the necessary legal and verification procedures. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine their nationality and immigration status.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh