Shiv Sena asks for audit of Bangladeshi immigrants across Maharashtra in wake of attack on Saif Ali Khan

Mumbai: Amid the brutal attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has demanded a comprehensive thorough audit of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants across Maharashtra and act against them.

In this regard, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member and former union minister Milind Deora has shot off a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the ministries of home and law & judiciary. 

Through the letter, Deora drew the CM’s attention to “urgent issue” that demands immediate action - the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Maharashtra and their unchecked employment across various sectors. 

“It is imperative that the Government of Maharashtra conducts a comprehensive audit of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing and working in the state. This initiative should involve district collectors, local municipalities, and law enforcement agencies, working in coordination to identify, verify, and act against undocumented individuals,” said Deora. 

Besides, he said that equally important is the need to hold staffing companies accountable for their role in employing and placing illegal immigrants without verifying their documentation. 

“I strongly urge the state government to implement stringent regulations mandating staffing agencies to verify the authenticity of all documents before placing individuals in jobs. There is also a need to introduce penalties for non-compliance, including fines and cancellation of licenses for agencies found guilty of neglecting this responsibility. Besides, there is a need to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations,” he said.

“Maharashtra has always been a beacon of opportunity and inclusivity, but it is critical to balance these values with the necessity of ensuring safety, security, and legal accountability. A concerted effort to address this issue will not only bolster public confidence but also safeguard the interests of law-abiding citizens and businesses in our state,” added Deora.