A criminal network facilitating the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into India and forging documents has been busted with the arrest of three individuals from Mumbai. The operation followed a week-long manhunt by the Meghalaya and Maharashtra police.
The investigation began on February 14, when the Meghalaya police received intelligence reports about a group of suspected Bangladeshi nationals traveling from Guwahati to Shillong. The group of five, including a child, was detained at the Nongpoh checkpoint in Ri-Bhoi district. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that they had entered India illegally two months prior, via a criminal network. They had traveled to Mumbai in search of work and were heading back to Bangladesh.
The detainees disclosed that they had obtained Indian documents through Shaikh Mohd Mujib, a key facilitator operating from Mumbai’s Sewri area. This led to the arrest of Mujib and his accomplices, Nusrat A Kazi and Jabir Yunus Shaikh.
Kazi was arrested from Koparkhairane, while Shaikh was apprehended in Ulwe. Mujib was captured from Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg in South Mumbai.
The criminal network facilitated the illegal entry of at least 24 Bangladeshi nationals, including 12 women and three children. They used forged documents, including fake address proofs, to help these individuals enter India. The accused also exploited the forged identities to open bank accounts, which were then used for loan fraud and cybercrimes.
“This operation uncovers a well-organized network involved in illegal migration, document forgery, and financial crimes, which poses significant risks to national security,” said Vivekanand Singh Rathore, SSP of Ri-Bhoi District. The porous borders between India and Bangladesh, particularly in states like Meghalaya, have contributed to the increasing threats posed by such illegal activities.
The police have recovered forged documents, digital evidence, and tools used for fabricating IDs from the accused. The suspects were brought to Meghalaya on transit remand for further investigation.
