A major threat to national security has surfaced in Mumbai, with the city police arresting two Bangladeshi infiltrators from the Powai area. The accused were illegally residing in India using forged Aadhaar and PAN cards. After digital evidence linking them to Bangladesh was recovered from their mobile phones, security agencies have been put on high alert.
According to police, the Powai Police Anti Terror Cell (ATC) received specific intelligence that Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally would arrive near the NTPC Junction on the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road in search of work. Taking the information seriously, a trap was laid under the leadership of Assistant Police Inspector Waghmare.
Acting on the informer’s tip-off, the police detained two suspects. During initial questioning, the duo gave evasive replies and failed to produce any valid Indian citizenship documents. Following sustained interrogation, both admitted that they were Bangladeshi nationals. The arrested accused have been identified as Salman Quddus Gazi (29) and Sharafat Quddus Gazi (23), who were residing in the Navi Mumbai area.
During a search, police recovered from Salman two Aadhaar cards bearing different dates of birth, a PAN card and a smartphone. A forensic examination of the mobile phone revealed Bangladeshi country-code numbers, cross-border communication through the IMO application, and digital copies of Bangladesh government-issued National Identity Cards. These documents contained identity details of his father, relatives and brother, confirming cross-border links and the existence of an illegal network.
During interrogation, the accused confessed that they had illegally entered India by evading patrols along the India–Bangladesh border and had been living in the country for several years without any passport, visa or official permission.
The mobile phones of both accused have been sealed and sent for detailed digital forensic analysis. Senior police officials said the case is not limited to illegal infiltration alone but is a serious matter involving national security, forged document rackets and cross-border connections. Other security agencies have also been alerted.