49 Bangladeshi Nationals Repatriated from Odisha Following Crackdown: CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has repatriated 49 Bangladeshi citizens following a state-wide crackdown on illegal foreign residents, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday. In the investigation launched after the establishment of the BJP-led government, 51 Bangladeshi citizens staying illegally in different parts of the state have been identified so far.

According to a written statement made by the Chief Minister, KhUrda district reported the highest number of detections at 24, followed by 15 in Cuttack, six in Ganjam, three in Kandhamal and one in Koraput.

“All the 49 identified Bangladeshi citizens have already been repatriated,” Majhi said. Two more people using fake passports were identified and a criminal case was filed against them.

Majhi also said that the state government has formed a special task committee to oversee the identification, detention and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi residents. District Superintendents of Police have been instructed to intensify surveillance, conduct background checks and strengthen verification mechanisms in vulnerable areas of Odisha.

The state currently operates 18 detention centers at the district level and two centers at the state level for handling such cases. Of the 1,768 people whose documents have been verified so far, 51 have been confirmed to be illegally residing in Bangladesh. Verification of documents regarding the other 50 suspects continues.

Authorities also use a special mobile application to support real-time detection of potential spies. Senior intelligence officers are conducting field investigations in districts considered sensitive to cross-border movement.

The issue gained renewed attention last month after the arrest of a Bangladeshi national in neighboring Jagatsinghpur triggered tensions in the coastal areas of Kendrapara. On November 17, Kendrapara police intensified check drives in Duhuria, Garapur, Rajkanika, Pattamundai, Rajnagar and Mahakalpada.

During the operation, Sub-Inspector Sibaram Swain had said, “We are carrying out comprehensive checks of cars and buses at Garapur Chhak and Duhuria Chhak in accordance with the directions of the SP and Sadar Police Station IIC.”