Claims about the number of illegal immigrants in India, particularly Bangladeshi nationals, often lack credible evidence and are exaggerated for political purposes. Historical events like the Bangladesh Liberation War and subsequent political and economic instability in Bangladesh have led to waves of migration, with some Bangladeshis seeking refuge in India. A recent investigation by Delhi Police into the Sangam Vihar murder case uncovered an illegal immigration network involving Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities arrested five Bangladeshi individuals along with six others implicated in forging fake documents. The murder investigation revealed that the victim, Seton Sheikh, had been involved in assisting immigrants with creating fake Aadhaar cards, which ultimately led to financial and personal conflicts culminating in his death. Further scrutiny unearthed the involvement of a website, Janata Prints, managed by Rajat Mishra, which allegedly facilitated the creation of fake documents at nominal costs. Among those arrested was Munni Devi, who is suspected of playing a pivotal role in aiding the syndicate. This network reportedly helps immigrants enter India through forested border areas and provides them with forged identification documents, SIM cards, and financial support.
Authorities are investigating cross-border links, with teams deployed to Bangladesh for further inquiries. Concerns have been raised about whether these forged voter cards have been used in electoral fraud, especially as voter lists are updated ahead of elections. The influx of Bangladeshi migrants into India has been documented in varying estimates, with figures ranging from three million to thirty million. According to the 2001 Census of India, over three million Bangladeshis were residing in the country, with more than two million having lived there for over two decades. Illegal migration routes often involve forested areas along the border, with migrants receiving assistance upon entering India, including transport and resources to reach major urban centers like Delhi. Once in these cities, they access networks that facilitate the creation of fake identification documents.
The increasing focus on illegal immigration coincides with the political climate, as authorities intensify crackdowns ahead of elections to address concerns about a growing undocumented migrant population. Data from the Border Security Force and the National Crime Records Bureau reveal that in the past four years, more individuals have been apprehended attempting to leave India illegally than entering. Until December 2020, 3,173 individuals were caught attempting to cross into Bangladesh, while 1,115 were detained entering India during the same period. Trends from 2017 to 2019 indicate a significant rise in the number of Bangladeshis leaving India, possibly driven by stricter enforcement and changing circumstances.
The portrayal of Bangladeshi migrants in Indian society often feeds into prejudices and stereotypes. Many Bengali-speaking individuals, often mistaken for illegal migrants, are, in fact, Indian citizens from regions like Assam and West Bengal. Economic factors such as limited land ownership, climate change, and better opportunities for education and employment drive internal migration, which urban middle classes frequently mischaracterize. This misrepresentation adds to the challenges faced by migrant laborers, who become scapegoats in a climate of misinformation.
Bangladeshis have historically migrated worldwide since their country’s independence in 1971. While nations in the Middle East and the West have been common destinations, India remains the most significant due to its geographical proximity, shared history, and economic opportunities. The 4,096-kilometer border facilitates migration, and cultural and familial ties often underpin these movements. Before the partition of 1947, Bangladesh and India were part of the same territory, creating enduring connections that continue to influence migration patterns. The linguistic and cultural similarities between the two regions further foster mobility, with Kolkata and West Bengal reflecting shared artistic and cultural traditions with Bangladesh. These historical, cultural, and economic factors make India a prime destination for Bangladeshi migrants, despite the challenges they face in their pursuit of better opportunities.
