Five Bangladeshi Nationals Held Near Red Fort
Delhi Police detained five men on August 4 for attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort, which remains closed to the public between July 15 and August 15 due to security measures ahead of Independence Day. The arrested individuals were between 20 and 25 years of age.
Fake Aadhaar Cards Used
The men presented Aadhaar cards, which were later found to be fake. Upon verification, the police confirmed that the individuals were Bangladeshi nationals. They were reportedly working as daily-wage labourers in Delhi at the time of the arrest.
Identity Documents Seized
During questioning, authorities recovered documents confirming their Bangladeshi nationality. Officials stated that the men had entered India without valid visas or permits and were staying illegally. They have been charged under provisions of the Foreigners Act.
Related Detentions in Gurugram
Just days earlier, police in Gurugram had detained ten more Bangladeshi nationals for illegal stay. In that case as well, Bangladeshi identity papers were found and proceedings for deportation were initiated through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
No Refugee Status Under Indian Law
India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, meaning those who enter the country without valid documentation do not receive formal refugee status. In these cases, authorities confirmed that none of the detained individuals possessed Indian citizenship documents or had applied for legal asylum.
Concerns About Profiling
While enforcement efforts continue, concerns have been raised about the risk of linguistic profiling—especially for Bengali-speaking individuals. Critics warn that indiscriminate crackdowns may lead to wrongful detentions and further marginalization of migrant communities.
