Saif attack: Illegal immigrants entering India becomes talking point after Bangladeshi national's arrest

A couple of days after actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked inside his flat in Bandra, police -- after their manhunt -- arrested a Bangladeshi national from the Kasarvadavali area of Thane.

The accused, who had been hiding in the Hiranandani Estate, has been identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammed Rohilla Amin Fakir (30).

The 'Saif attack case' has yet again brought forward the unauthorised entry and stay of Bangladeshis in India.

Reportedly police have said that Bangladeshi immigrants who enter India illegally are often found willing to work for less pay and are easily hired as labourers, artisans, domestic helpers, security guards or workers at firms.

According to a report by The Times of India, sources from the Crime Branch said that Bangladeshis enter India illegally from Malda, 24 Paraganas and Murshidabad in West Bengal, and Dineshpur in Uttarakhand.

Once they enter the country, these illegal immigrants pay around Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 to get fake Aadhaar cards from agents who assist them in lieu of monetary commission.

According to TOI, an official said, "There is a vast network operating in India that helps these illegal immigrants settle here. They are not afraid of cases being registered against them, because it guarantees their prolonged stay. Until the case reaches a judgment, they cannot be deported. Moreover, they secure bail within days and continue living a normal life."

As the number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants keeps increasing despite the regular deportation drive, they easily secure blue-collar jobs.

About 30 illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country were arrested by the police and crime branch in a recent operation.

To keep off the radar, some of them have also been casting votes in Indian elections for years.

Around 310 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were arrested in Mumbai alone by the police.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that these immigrants have now been scheming to get birth certificates to make themselves eligible for Indian voting rights.

According to the publication's report, Fadnavis said, "Nearly 100 such cases have been reported in Amravati and Malegaon taluka in Nashik. These people, many aged around 50 years, are obtaining documents illegally."

Recently, a 49-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested in Mumbai (January 13) for allegedly living in India for the last 38 years on forged documents and working as a labourer.

On January 3, Delhi Police had also arrested seven illegal Bangladeshi immigrants for residing in the national capital, in two separate operations.