Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Intensify Search Operation Against Bangladeshi Infiltrators
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 19th December 2024: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have ramped up their efforts to identify and take action against Bangladeshi infiltrators residing in the industrial city using fake documents. A combing operation is underway as reports of illegal residents with forged passports and documents surface. Over the past two years, the police have acted against 34 Bangladeshi nationals and cancelled 62 passports issued fraudulently with city addresses.
Police investigations have revealed that many Bangladeshi nationals have settled in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s industrial areas, including Bhosari, Talwade, Hinjewadi, and Chakan, working for low wages in factories, construction projects, and hotels. Additionally, two families of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar were also found residing illegally in Dehu Road.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Shivaji Pawar confirmed that the search operation is ongoing and will be conducted regularly.
According to officials, Bangladeshi nationals reportedly enter India through West Bengal’s border regions and acquire Aadhaar and PAN cards. Once they reach Pimpri-Chinchwad, their address on these documents is updated to reflect local residences. Investigations revealed they often live in rented accommodations, which landlords fail to register with the police, violating tenant verification rules.
Despite police action, infiltrators often secure bail and remain in the city while awaiting court verdicts. None of the 34 cases against infiltrators over the last two years have reached a final judgment, according to police sources.
The infiltrators gain access to basic facilities such as ration cards, gas cylinders, voter IDs, and passports using forged documents, often with the help of local accomplices. However, while action is taken against the infiltrators, those responsible for creating fake documents remain at large.
Pimpri-Chinchwad’s industrial growth attracts laborers from across the country, and in some cases, foreign nationals seeking employment. Local industries and small businesses, particularly in the MIDC areas, hire workers only after verifying Aadhaar and PAN cards. Entrepreneurs have been urged to recheck worker documentation to prevent further misuse.
Sandeep Belsare, president of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Small Industries Association, has demanded stricter police verification in unauthorized scrap yards in areas like Chikhali and Kudalwadi, where many illegal workers are suspected to be employed.
In a related incident five months ago, two Rohingya families in Dehu Road were found to have built houses despite residing illegally. Both families are currently out on bail following police action.
