Dhubri, October 30: Police detained 36 suspected Bangladeshi nationals during a special operation at Jogamaya ferry ghat in Assam’s Dhubri district. The operation was conducted following specific intelligence inputs, with the group intercepted shortly after arriving at the ghat in a motorised boat from Hatsingimari. Dhubri Senior Superintendent of Police Devashish Barah confirmed the operation.
Police said around 120 passengers were travelling on the boat. Following screening, 36 individuals were identified and detained. All of them are men, aged between 30 and 50. Documents and mobile phones have also been recovered.
The detained individuals have been taken to the Dhubri Police Reserve for questioning. Police said preliminary information suggests that they are Bangladeshi nationals, but verification of their identities and citizenship is still underway.
During preliminary questioning, the group reportedly identified themselves as residents of the Chapainawabganj area of Bangladesh’s Rajshahi district. According to police sources, they allegedly crossed the international border through a river route and planned to use Dhubri as a transit point before travelling to Chennai.
The detainees reportedly told investigators that intermediaries had collected between Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000 from each person for the journey. The name of an alleged middleman, identified as Milan, has also emerged during questioning, according to the report.
Investigators are examining how the group allegedly entered India, the circumstances surrounding their journey and the possible involvement of intermediaries. Police are also checking documents and conducting further questioning to establish the identities and nationality of those detained.
Dhubri is considered a sensitive district because of its location along the India-Bangladesh border. Police have been increasing surveillance along river routes and ferry points to prevent suspected illegal crossings.
The investigation is still at a preliminary stage. Police have said that further legal action will be taken after verification of documents and completion of the necessary inquiries.
