Illegal stay: Police begin probe into activities of Bangladesh nationals arrested in Kochi

Kochi: Police have begun analysing the call data records, digital footprint and travel history of the 10 Bangladesh nationals who were arrested from Palarivattom on Thursday night. They were arrested for their illegal stay in India without valid documents, including visa.

The FIR against them was registered in the early hours of Friday. Sections 14 and 14A of the Foreigners Act and Sections 3 and 3(2) of the Passport (Entry Into India) Act were invoked against them. Documents revealing their Bangladeshi identity were recovered from them. However, sources said that unlike similar instances in the past, no forged Indian documents were recovered from the accused.

The arrested people have been identified as MD Lalon Hossain, 37, MD Riad Al, 22, MD Sumon Mondal, 24, MD Fedos Mondol, 37, Jony Ahmed, 28, Rajibn Hussain, 26, MD Abdur Zabbasm, 50, MD Mithan Ali, 34, MD Rahin Ali, 20, and MD Bulbul Ahamed, 26. Six among the accused hail from Kushistiya district in Bangladesh and the rest are from Rajshahi district.

Police raided their residence near Stadium Link Road in Kaloor based on confidential alert. According to police, the group was staying in Kerala for nearly a year.

Police suspect the group entered India illegally through areas along the India-Bangladesh border before travelling to Kolkata. They were working as scrap dealers after reaching India. The accused reportedly travelled to Kerala by train. Police said that a detailed investigation is being carried out to cross-verify their statements. Probe has also begun to investigate if more such undocumented Bangladesh nationals are staying in the state illegally.