SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Sept 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now launched an investigation into the illegal entry of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas into Jharkhand. According to ED sources, the central agency initiated the probe based on an FIR lodged by the Jharkhand police at the Bariyatu police station in Ranchi in June.
An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) has been filed, and the ED has begun investigating the illegal immigration activities.
PM Modi expressed concern over tribal identity
The issue of illegal immigration gained prominence on September 15, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Jamshedpur, raised concerns about the growing threat to tribal identity in Jharkhand due to the infiltration of Bangladeshis. His remarks have intensified the political discourse surrounding the matter.
Organized syndicate behind infiltration
The Bariyatu police station had lodged the FIR on June 4, 2024, under several sections, including IPC Sections 420, 467, 471, and 34 of the 1860 Act, Section 12 of the Passport Act, 1967, and Section 4-A of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The FIR was filed after the arrest of a Bangladeshi girl, Nipah Akhtar Khusi, along with two other individuals.
According to the FIR, 21-year-old Nipah Akhtar Khusi was brought to Kolkata by two women named Manisha Rai and Jhuma. Nipah had illegally entered India through a jungle route with the help of private agents. These agents allegedly provided Nipah with fake documents to establish her Indian citizenship.
“An organized syndicate, involving several individuals, is engaged in these illegal activities of providing fake identity proof, which is a crime under Section 2(1)(u) of the PMLA, 2002. It is crucial to investigate the infiltration of Bangladeshis into India and those involved in this crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002,” stated an ED official.
Infiltration takes centre stage in Jharkhand politics
The infiltration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas has become a central issue in Jharkhand’s political landscape. While the Jharkhand High Court has taken cognizance of the alleged infiltration in the state, prominent political figures have voiced their concerns.
Firebrand Santhal MP Nishikant Dubey raised the issue nationally, and BJP state president Babulal Marandi has also highlighted the matter.
Former Chief Minister Champai Soren has expressed deep concern over the influx. He called for the protection of tribal property and dignity, especially in the Kolhan and Santhal divisions.
