Shillong, April 27: Seven persons, including four Bangladeshi nationals, were apprehended by police in East Khasi Hills district following an attempted illegal entry into India through the international border.
The arrested Bangladeshi nationals have been identified as Sathi Begum (24) from Narail, Khulna; Taniya Sagor Shekh (30) from Bishanpur, Masimpur in Sumanganj district; Soni Flano (25) from Narail, Khulna; and Shamin Kaji (30) from Narail, Khulna. The other three individuals, identified as Churaman Ali (45), Shahinur Islam (30), and Mafidul Islam (32), are residents of Goalpara district in Assam.
Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said police received information around 7 PM about suspected Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter India through the Borsora–Nongjri border.
Acting on the input, Mawsynram Police set up a naka checking point. However, at around 8 PM, a Maruti Swift carrying the suspects managed to evade the checkpoint and fled towards Weiloi.
During the pursuit, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. A search operation was immediately launched by police, assisted by local residents, and continued overnight.
Police later apprehended the four Bangladeshi nationals from Weiloi, while the three others from Assam were arrested from Mawhiang. The vehicle used in the escape was recovered from a nearby field.
A suo motu case has been registered under the Foreigners Act, and the accused were produced before the court. Police custody was not granted, and the individuals are currently lodged in district jail for further investigation.
The SP revealed that the Bangladeshi nationals had previously travelled to other parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, while one of the women had also worked in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The male accused, Shamin Kaji, had reportedly entered India for the first time with the intention of seeking employment in Uttar Pradesh.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the three individuals from Assam may have acted as guides, facilitating the illegal entry of the foreign nationals.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify others involved in aiding the illegal cross-border movement.
