Chennai, 20 July (H.S.):Three Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested by the Tamil Nadu Q Branch Police for allegedly entering India illegally and working at a scrap yard near Guduvancheri in Chengalpattu district without valid travel or identity documents.

The arrests followed a tip-off received by the Chengalpattu Q Branch that some workers employed at a scrap yard in Kannivakkam were suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals staying in the country unlawfully. Acting on the information, a special police team conducted a surprise inspection at the premises, where around eight migrant workers from northern India were reportedly employed and residing.

During the inspection, police questioned all the workers regarding their identities and place of origin. Three men initially claimed to be residents of West Bengal. However, inconsistencies in their statements prompted officers to conduct further questioning, during which they allegedly admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals.

The arrested men were identified as Zakir Bakkir (26), Abdul Salam Sitheri (28) and Arif Sitheri (25). According to police, none of them was able to produce a passport, visa or any other valid document to establish their legal entry into or stay in India.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the trio had allegedly crossed the India-Bangladesh border illegally several months ago through an unfenced stretch before travelling by road to Kolkata. From there, they are believed to have boarded a train to Chennai in search of work and later secured employment at the scrap yard in Kannivakkam.

Police have registered a case against the three under provisions relating to illegal entry into and unauthorised stay in India. Investigators are now questioning them to determine the exact route they used to enter the country and whether any organised network or local facilitators helped them obtain employment or accommodation.

Officials said the probe has been expanded to identify others who may have assisted the accused and to trace any additional foreign nationals who may be living or working illegally in the region under the guise of migrant labourers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman