Mumbai: Bangladeshi National Living Illegally in India for 35 Years Arrested in Sakinaka

In a major and sensitive operation, the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of Sakinaka Police has arrested a Bangladeshi national who had been residing illegally in India for the past 35 years. The accused was found in possession of a fake Indian Aadhaar card and a mobile phone, raising serious security concerns among investigating agencies.

According to the police, on the evening of January 27, 2026, Sakinaka Police Station received credible intelligence inputs about the presence of a Bangladeshi national in the Khairani Road area. Considering the seriousness of the information, senior officials were immediately informed, following which an ATC team was deployed to lay a trap.

At around 7.45 pm, while the police team was keeping surveillance in the specified area, a person matching the description given in the input was spotted. On noticing the police, the suspect panicked and attempted to flee. The police acted swiftly and apprehended him on the spot.

During initial questioning, the accused tried to mislead the police. However, after sustained interrogation, he revealed his identity as Badshah Afzal Mulla (41), a native of Nodail district in Bangladesh. A search led to the recovery of a fake Indian Aadhaar card and a mobile phone from his possession.

During detailed interrogation at the police station, the accused made startling revelations, stating that he had entered India nearly 35 years ago without a passport, visa, or any valid travel documents. He admitted that due to extreme poverty and hunger in Bangladesh, he illegally crossed the India-Bangladesh border by evading security forces and subsequently worked as a labourer while staying at various locations across India.

At the time of his arrest, the accused was residing at Dongri village in Bhayandar West.

The police have registered a case against him under stringent sections related to illegal immigration, possession of forged documents, and provisions of the Foreigners Act. Investigations are also underway to trace the network that helped the accused procure the fake Aadhaar card and to identify others involved in the racket.

Security agencies believe that this action is crucial from the perspective of Mumbai’s internal security. Police officials have indicated that more major crackdowns against illegal immigrants and fake document syndicates are likely in the coming days.