Ahmedabad Crime Branch detains 61 Muslim Bangladeshi nationals in pre-Diwali crackdown

India: Ahmedabad City Police’s Detection of Crime Branch has detained 61 people suspected of being illegal immigrants, mostly muslim Bangladeshi nationals, during a coordinated operation across the city ahead of the Diwali festival.

According to police officials, raids were conducted overnight in several areas, including Danilimda, Narol, Odhav and Nikol. Around 100 people were initially questioned and their documents checked, following which 61 individuals were identified as foreign nationals allegedly residing in India without valid documentation.

The detainees include men, women and children. Many were reportedly living in slum settlements and working as daily-wage labourers in construction, domestic services and small businesses. Some women were also reportedly associated with spa establishments.

Police said the operation was part of enhanced security arrangements ahead of the festive season. The detained individuals have been transferred to the Gujarat Illegal Immigrant Centre for verification of their identities and initiation of deportation proceedings.

During the operation, police also recovered Bangladeshi identity documents and allegedly forged Indian identification papers from some of the detainees.

The Crime Branch said the drive was aimed at strengthening security and identifying foreign nationals residing in the city without valid legal documents. Similar operations have been conducted in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat in recent months.