Kolkata
West Bengal Expands Facilities for Suspected Illegal Foreign Nationals
Three suspected Bangladeshi nationals have been lodged in a newly established holding centre in Murshidabad district as West Bengal expands infrastructure for detaining alleged illegal foreign nationals pending deportation procedures.
Three suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators have been lodged at a newly created holding centre in Murshidabad district meant for illegal foreign nationals, officials said on Tuesday.
According to a senior police officer, the holding centre located at Lalgola is now operational and currently houses three individuals identified as suspected Bangladeshi nationals under tight security arrangements.
The development comes a day after Malda district became the first district in the state to establish such a facility, where nine suspected Bangladeshis have already been lodged.
The creation of holding centres follows recent directives by the West Bengal government aimed at institutionalising procedures for detaining suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation.
Authorities said the facilities are intended to temporarily house apprehended foreign nationals until legal verification, documentation and deportation formalities are completed in coordination with relevant agencies.
The issue of illegal infiltration and border security remains politically sensitive in West Bengal due to the state’s long international border with Bangladesh.
