KOCHI: It is reported that more than a thousand Bangladeshis have arrived in Kerala. It is believed that they infiltrated through rackets that convert Bangladeshis into Indian citizens by forging documents.
This group, which is active on the borders of West Bengal and North-Eastern states, is sending people to Kerala as well. Their operation is in collaboration with rackets in Bangladesh by preparing special packages. It is reported that even the Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar are reaching India in this way. Taslima Bingam (28), a native of Bangladesh, was arrested in Perumbavoor last week and Hossain (29), a Bangladeshi, was arrested in Angamaly yesterday. It was from them that the intelligence got to know how the rackets worked.
Concern has increased after the information came out that the suspect in the incident of stabbing and fatally injuring actor Saif Ali Khan was a Bangladeshi who was hiding under a false name.
It is estimated that there are around 40 lakh migrant workers in Kerala. Five lakhs on the official record. Central investigation agencies have concluded that up to three percent of them may be Bangladeshis. It is indicated that some of the Bangladeshis in Kerala have crossed into Tirupur, Coimbatore and Chennai. Their method is to work in medium-sized companies etc. and save money and go abroad. 15 Bangladeshis were arrested at Kochi airport alone in two years. The government does not have clear figures regarding them.
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They are tempted by the treatment and salary given to Indians abroad. The conditions of their country force them to leave. People get caught up in the sex racket also.
The rule is to deport Bangladeshis who are jailed under the Passport Act and the National Security Act. It has many hurdles. Deportation can be completed only when the original document is confirmed. This will take months.
"It is a fact that there are more than a thousand Bangladeshis in Kerala. They are hard to catch."
Benoy Peter
Center for Migration and Inclusive Development
Perumbavoor