Kolkata, 9 February (H.S.): In two separate incidents, two Bangladeshi women were arrested in West Bengal after illegally crossing the border with their children. Their harrowing tales of fleeing religious extremism and seeking safety in India have raised questions.In Naihati, a woman was found shivering with two small children near the Bada Ma Temple Wednesday night. Members of the temple committee approached her and learned that she had fled from Barishal, Bangladesh, to escape persecution by religious extremists. Identifying herself as Shobha Mallik, she revealed that she risked her life to enter India illegally with her children.

The temple committee provided the family with warm clothes and food before informing the police. Naihati police took Shobha into custody and registered a case against her under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act. She and her children were later produced before the Barrackpore court on Thursday.

In another incident, Krishnaganj police arrested 32-year-old Parveen Begum on Thursday. During interrogation, Parveen, a resident of Nawdail district in Bangladesh, confessed that she had worked as a domestic help in the Kabristan area of Mumbai. Fearing legal action, she fled to West Bengal.

Police recovered three mobile phones, two new watches, a camera, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and some Indian currency from her possession. Parveen admitted that she had entered India illegally eight months ago through the Bangladesh-India border in North 24 Parganas. Her ultimate goal, she claimed, was to earn money through illegal means and return to Bangladesh.

Further investigation revealed that Parveen was part of a seven-member group that crossed the border together. However, the others managed to escape. The police have intensified their search for the remaining members. Parveen was produced before the Krishnanagar District Court following her arrest.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh