Guwahati, 17 September (HS): A large group of suspected Bangladeshi nationals allegedly entering India illegally through the Dawki border in Meghalaya has been detained by police in Guwahati and Bongaigaon, raising concerns over the use of the northeastern corridor for illegal entry and onward movement.

In New Bongaigaon, a joint operation by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) led to the detention of 10 Bangladeshi nationals from the Guwahati-Jammu Tawi Express. The group comprised six men, four women and four children. During preliminary questioning, the detainees reportedly told the authorities that they had entered India through the Dawki border in Meghalaya.

In Guwahati, suspected illegal infiltraters were also detained from the Paltan Bazar ASTC bus stand and areas around the railway station. According to police sources, the recent operations in Guwahati and Bongaigaon have resulted in the detention of at least 27 suspected infiltrators.

Police sources said the group allegedly entered India from Bangladesh's Khulna through a human-trafficking network and was planning to travel to other parts of the country. Railway police and intelligence agencies are continuing their interrogation to establish their identities, route of entry and intended destinations.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash