Bengaluru authorities and local activists have uncovered a network of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in and around the IT hub of Electronic City. The operation, conducted over three consecutive days, revealed that several families have been living in the city for up to five years without valid identification or legal documentation. The shocking discovery also exposes a systematic racket allegedly facilitating fake documents and financial fraud.
A three-day operation led by Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli, along with volunteers from the Hindu Jagaran Vedike, identified multiple illegal immigrants in Podu village, adjacent to Electronic City. When asked for official Indian identification, none of the immigrants could produce valid documents, confirming their illegal stay. Upon interrogation, they admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India through West Bengal.
The immigrants revealed that they have been residing in Bengaluru for the past five years without interference from authorities. According to activists, the operation was prompted by concerns over security and the exploitation of government resources, particularly in light of violent incidents affecting Hindus in Bangladesh.
Podu village has now been identified as a hotspot for illegal immigration. Activists reported that more than ten families were residing in a single location without legal documents. The area has been informally dubbed the “Bangla Colony” by local residents due to the high concentration of immigrants.
The investigation revealed that some illegal immigrants possessed forged documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards. Shockingly, fake Aadhaar cards were reportedly being sold for as little as ₹1,500. Authorities also discovered that one of the immigrants had opened a Bank of Baroda account and obtained a loan of ₹4.5 lakh through Bajaj Finance to purchase an auto-rickshaw, demonstrating the exploitation of India’s financial system.
Immigrants admitted that they were being brought into Bengaluru overnight after crossing the West Bengal border. Activists reported that agents were working to facilitate the illegal entry of thousands more individuals into the city, highlighting the scale and organisation of the operation.
During the raid, Puneeth Kerehalli confronted the illegal immigrants and warned them of the consequences of residing in India without legal documentation.
“You are exploiting our country’s resources and threatening our security. Leave the country immediately,” he stated.
Following the operation, all identified illegal immigrants were handed over to Bannerghatta police. Authorities have launched investigations to verify their backgrounds and determine who provided shelter or facilitated their illegal stay in Bengaluru.
