Delhi steps up operation against illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya settlements
NEW DELHI: The drive against illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya settlements across Delhi intensified with police teams conducting verification drives in slum areas suspected to house undocumented migrants. The operation was initiated on the orders of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, with the aim of identifying and addressing the issue of illegal infiltration, except in the North-West district where the drive has yet to commence.
In the Shahdara district, police teams, led by DCP Prashant Gautam and SHO Devendra Oberoi, conducted a massive operation in the E-44 slum clusters of New Seemapuri. Official reports state that identification documents of 32 residents were collected, and their verification process has begun at their original addresses. Residents were also warned against using forged identity documents, and the police emphasised strict action against those found guilty.
The operation, however, faced a delay in the Jahangirpuri and other nearby areas of North-West Delhi that have been a hub for previous controversies pertaining to unauthorised Bangladeshi settlements. Though it has already been two days since the directive, no such drive has commenced in this district so far. The local police are awaiting clearances from senior officers, and the same is believed as cited by the DCP Abhishek Dhaniya that there have been preoccupations with holding election meetings and other important duties.
South-East district police arrested three Bangladeshi nationals in raids at Shaheen Bagh, Nizamuddin, and an undisclosed location, lodging them in Sarai Rohilla detention centre. Landlords renting to them without verification were also arrested. Police cited inadequate data on illegal settlers as a key challenge.
Teams conducted door-to-door surveys in slum areas, questioning residents on their identity, origin, stay duration, and housing. Those without valid documents or unverifiable claims were detained. A senior official highlighted difficulties in identifying individuals in densely populated areas, stressing the urgency of the 2-month timeline set by L-G.
