Responding to an issue raised in the Legislative Council by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar regarding the rising concern of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration in Mumbai, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy and launched stringent action against illegal immigrants.
Kadam informed the House that as per the Central government’s guidelines, intelligence-based joint operations are being carried out across the state. A special team comprising five personnel has been deployed in every police station. Regular checking drives and raids are being conducted in coordination with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and local police units.
2,376 Deported in 2025 Alone
Presenting data from the last five years, Kadam said that 109 illegal Bangladeshi nationals were deported in 2021, 77 in 2022, 127 in 2023, 202 in 2024, and a total of 2,376 in 2025 so far.
He stated that Maharashtra has emerged as the leading state in the country by deporting over 2,000 individuals in a single year. As per a new circular issued by the Central government, once identity and evidence are verified, individuals are being handed over directly to the Border Security Force (BSF) without registering a formal case, thereby expediting the deportation process.
Kadam further explained that illegal entrants do not arrive in Mumbai directly from Bangladesh. Instead, they first enter West Bengal from Bangladesh and subsequently travel to Maharashtra. He alleged that necessary documents are prepared for them in West Bengal before they move to other states.
Detention Centre and Strict Monitoring
For the first time, the state has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for setting up a dedicated detention centre, and the tender process has been completed.
It has now been made mandatory for contractors to submit details of labourers working at construction sites to the concerned police stations. Action is being taken against contractors found violating norms. Additionally, municipal corporations and the police department are jointly verifying documents of hawkers operating in cities.
The minister appealed to citizens to inform the police about any suspicious activity to help curb illegal infiltration. He asserted that there would be no compromise on the state’s security and that the campaign would be intensified under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Kadam also stated that combing operations would be conducted wherever required, and if necessary, a Special Task Force would be constituted to further strengthen enforcement efforts.