33 suspected Bangladeshis detained in Bengaluru labour colony verification drive

Bengaluru police detain 33 suspected Bangladeshis in labour colonies; FIRs filed for forged IDs, illegal power use & environmental violations

Bengaluru police’s Electronic City division has detained 33 suspected Bangladeshi nationals during a verification drive in labour colonies around Hulimangala. The operation, launched on January 4, aimed to identify illegal residents in settlements across the area. Sixteen individuals were detained by Hebbagodi police, 10 by Begur police, and seven by Electronic City police.

Authorities reported that the detainees had allegedly been living in Bengaluru for several years using forged identity documents, including Aadhaar cards. During the inspections, police also uncovered environmental violations such as unscientific garbage disposal, with waste being dumped into nearby lakes and waterbodies. Several illegal electricity connections were detected as well.

Some of those detained were later released after verification confirmed they possessed valid documents, though the exact number released has not yet been disclosed. Between January 4 and 10, Hebbagodi police registered five FIRs and conducted door‑door checks using mobile identification tools. Landlords who permitted migrant labourers engaged in garbage segregation to construct unauthorised sheds and houses on their property have also been booked. Following police action, landlords issued notices and began demolishing illegal structures with bulldozers.

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Residents of the colonies contested the allegations, claiming they were Indian nationals from West Bengal and that their documents had been verified by police in their home state. Bengaluru police, however, maintained that several documents presented were forged. In one case, a woman claiming to be from Assam was unable to speak the Assamese language.

Cases have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to fouling water, making the atmosphere noxious to health, and acts endangering life or safety, along with charges under the Karnataka Electricity Act for theft of electricity. Deputy Commissioner of Police M Narayana stated that the verification drive will continue, with illegal immigrants to be deported after due process.

Separately, Hebbagodi police filed an FIR against a migrant woman labourer after a video surfaced showing her chanting slogans during an altercation in Jigani’s Podu village. She faces charges under BNS provisions for unlawful assembly, false information, public mischief, and obstructing officials. Investigations are ongoing.

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