Kolkata, 02 September (H.S.): The detention of a 66-year-old man from North Dinajpur district on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi national has triggered a political controversy, with Opposition Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam seeking the intervention of West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Islam alleged that Indian citizens were being harassed on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. He urged the authorities to examine the citizenship documents of Jalil Akhtar and take appropriate action if he is found to be an Indian citizen.

According to Akhtar's family, he is a resident of Bagroi village under Bazargaon-2 panchayat in North Dinajpur's Dalkhola area. The family claimed that a team from Dalkhola police station took Akhtar from his home on June 16 on suspicion that he was a Bangladeshi national.

Akhtar's daughter, Kulsum Khatun, claimed that the family subsequently submitted documents to the police which, according to them, established his Indian citizenship. However, they alleged that he was subsequently kept at two holding centres and later at a correctional home for more than 75 days.

According to police officials, Akhtar was arrested under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi national. He was produced before a court in Islampur, North Dinajpur, on July 22.

A senior police officer said that Akhtar is currently in judicial custody and that the matter is sub judice.

Islam said the DGP should personally examine the matter and ensure proper verification of Akhtar's citizenship documents. He added that if Akhtar is found to be an Indian citizen, appropriate steps should be taken for his protection.

The TMC MP also said that if allegations of unlawful detention, harassment or wrongful action are found to be true, appropriate action should be taken against those responsible. He added that his party would provide legal assistance to the family.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Shatorupa said there was no place for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal. She alleged that the previous Trinamool Congress government under Mamata Banerjee had allowed infiltrators to enter the state and facilitated them with documents and certificates.

The BJP spokesperson, however, said that if anyone had been detained by mistake, the administration would conduct an inquiry. She said such investigations could sometimes take time, but maintained that no illegal foreign national would be allowed to stay in West Bengal.

Jalil Akhtar remains in judicial custody, and the matter is currently before the court. The allegations made by the family and political parties are yet to be conclusively established.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey