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4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Nine Bangladeshis Jailed Two Years for Illegal Entry into India

Nine Bangladeshi nationals sentenced to two years in jail for illegally entering India.

Nine Bangladeshis Jailed Two Years for Illegal Entry into India

Photo by Miko Guziuk

A court in Bhubaneswar sentenced nine foreign nationals to two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 each for illegally entering India without valid documents. The individuals, from various districts in Bangladesh, were arrested at the Bhubaneswar railway station on March 8 last year. They confessed to entering India clandestinely through a jungle area of Assam. In 2024, the Odisha government directed district administrations to identify Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Odisha. The government reported that 3,740 Bangladeshi nationals were found living illegally in the State.

Key Facts

1.

9 Bangladeshi nationals jailed for illegal entry

2.

Sentence: 2 years rigorous imprisonment

3.

Fine: ₹10,000 each

4.

Arrested: Bhubaneswar railway station, March 8 last year

5.

Entered via Assam jungle

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Citizenship, laws, and judicial interventions

2.

GS Paper 3: Security - Border management and internal security challenges

3.

Potential for questions on constitutional provisions related to citizenship and the role of judiciary

Visual Insights

Illegal Immigration Case: Key Locations

Map showing the origin (Bangladesh) and destination (Odisha, India) of the illegal immigrants mentioned in the news report.

Loading interactive map...

📍Bangladesh📍India📍Assam
More Information

Background

The issue of illegal immigration into India, particularly from Bangladesh, has deep historical roots. The partition of India in 1947 led to significant displacement and cross-border migration. This initial movement set the stage for subsequent waves of migration, often driven by economic disparities, political instability, and environmental factors in Bangladesh. The Citizenship Act of 1955, amended several times, defines who is considered an Indian citizen and addresses issues related to citizenship acquisition and loss. Over the decades, various measures have been implemented to manage and regulate immigration. The Foreigners Act of 1946 grants the government broad powers to detain and deport foreign nationals. However, the porous border between India and Bangladesh, coupled with socio-economic factors, has made it challenging to effectively control illegal immigration. The issue has also become politically sensitive, with debates around the rights of immigrants and the impact on local resources and demographics. The National Register of Citizens (NRC), updated in Assam, aimed to identify illegal immigrants, but it has also faced criticism regarding its implementation and potential for exclusion. Several key legal and constitutional provisions are relevant to this issue. Article 5 to 11 of the Indian Constitution deals with citizenship. The central government has the authority to make laws regarding citizenship, naturalization, and expulsion of aliens under Article 11. The judiciary also plays a role through judicial review, ensuring that laws and policies related to immigration are consistent with the Constitution. The issue of illegal immigration also intersects with international law principles, such as the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to a country where they face persecution.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the Indian government has intensified efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants. The implementation of the NRC in Assam has been a major point of contention, with concerns raised about due process and potential human rights violations. The government has also proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) from neighboring countries, leading to widespread protests and debates about the secular nature of Indian citizenship. Several stakeholders have different perspectives on the issue. The government emphasizes national security and the need to protect the rights of Indian citizens. Human rights organizations raise concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the potential for statelessness. Political parties often take different stances based on their ideological orientations and electoral considerations. The Supreme Court of India has also played a crucial role in adjudicating cases related to immigration and citizenship, balancing national security concerns with fundamental rights. Looking ahead, the issue of illegal immigration is likely to remain a significant challenge for India. The government is expected to continue its efforts to strengthen border security and implement stricter immigration controls. However, finding a solution that is both effective and humane will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of migration, respects human rights, and promotes regional cooperation. The use of technology, such as biometric identification and border surveillance systems, is also likely to play an increasing role in managing immigration flows.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the recent case of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: Nine Bangladeshi nationals were jailed for illegally entering India. They received a 2-year prison sentence and a ₹10,000 fine each. They were arrested at Bhubaneswar railway station on March 8 last year after entering India through Assam.

Exam Tip

Focus on the number of individuals, sentence duration, fine amount, and entry route for prelims.

2. What is the historical background of illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India?

The issue has deep historical roots stemming from the partition of India in 1947, which caused displacement and cross-border migration. Subsequent waves of migration were driven by economic disparities, political instability, and environmental factors in Bangladesh.

3. Why is the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India in the news recently?

The issue is in the news due to the sentencing of nine Bangladeshi nationals for illegal entry. Also, the Odisha government's directive to identify illegal Bangladeshi nationals in 2024 keeps the issue relevant.

4. What are the recent developments regarding illegal immigration, as per the provided information?

Recent developments include the sentencing of nine Bangladeshi nationals and the Odisha government's identification drive, which found 3,740 illegal Bangladeshi nationals living in the state.

5. What are the potential challenges associated with identifying and deporting illegal immigrants?

Based on the background context, challenges may include due process concerns, potential human rights violations, and logistical difficulties in verifying nationality and arranging repatriation.

6. How does the Citizenship Act of 1955 relate to the issue of illegal immigration?

As per the provided background context, the Citizenship Act of 1955 is relevant to the issue of illegal immigration. The Act, along with proposed amendments, defines who is eligible for Indian citizenship.

7. What is the significance of the number 3,740 in the context of this news?

The number 3,740 represents the number of illegal Bangladeshi nationals found living in Odisha, as reported by the government.

8. What are the pros and cons of intensified efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants?

Pros may include enhanced national security and resource management. Cons may involve human rights concerns, social disruption, and potential strain on diplomatic relations.

9. What is the meaning of 'repatriation' in the context of illegal immigration?

Repatriation refers to the process of returning individuals to their country of origin or citizenship.

10. What are the key dates to remember for the UPSC exam related to this news?

The key dates to remember are March 8 (arrest date of the nine individuals) and 2024 (Odisha identification drive).

Exam Tip

Make a timeline of events related to illegal immigration for better retention.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Citizenship Act of 1955: 1. It provides for acquisition of citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalization and incorporation of territory. 2. It has been amended multiple times, including amendments to address illegal immigration. 3. It allows for dual citizenship for individuals of Indian origin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Citizenship Act of 1955 outlines five ways to acquire Indian citizenship: birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and incorporation of territory. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Act has been amended several times to address issues like illegal immigration and to define the criteria for citizenship. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: India does NOT allow dual citizenship. However, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card provides some benefits to individuals of Indian origin.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Foreigners Act, 1946?

  • A.It empowers the central government to detect, detain, and deport foreign nationals.
  • B.It applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of their country of origin.
  • C.It allows the state governments to independently deport foreign nationals without central government approval.
  • D.It provides for penalties for violating its provisions.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is INCORRECT: While the Foreigners Act, 1946 empowers the central government to detect, detain, and deport foreign nationals, the power to deport ultimately rests with the central government. State governments can assist in the process, but they cannot independently deport foreign nationals without central approval.

3. In the context of illegal immigration, consider the following statements: 1. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a register containing names of all genuine Indian citizens. 2. The NRC update process in Assam aimed to identify illegal immigrants residing in the state. 3. The NRC is administered solely by the State Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The NRC is an official record of those who are considered legal citizens of India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The NRC update in Assam was specifically undertaken to identify and weed out illegal immigrants. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The NRC is administered under the authority of the central government, although state government officials are involved in the process.

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