Kolkata
With a new BJP-led government in West Bengal, Bangladeshi nationals who had allegedly settled in the state illegally are now gathering near border areas to return to their country, according to reports.
During the election campaign, the BJP had said it would remove illegal migrants, a line also echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following the Assembly election, the BJP formed the government under Suvendu Adhikari.
In the days after the change in government, groups of migrants have been seen travelling towards the Bangladesh border carrying belongings and identity documents.
At the Hakimpur check-post, police have begun registering the details of those arriving. Officials are also verifying documents before placing people in camps.
Over the past few days, information of about 350 people has been recorded. More than 60 people from different localities in Kolkata have reportedly moved towards border regions, saying they entered India illegally through brokers or agents in search of work and are now returning due to fear of checks, document verification and being sent to detention camps.
