1. Tripura, with a border on three sides with Bangladesh, experiences a significant increase in infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas.
2. Despite BSF and Tripura Police efforts to detain illegal entrants, some successfully cross using railways or roadways with forged documents.
3. Fake Aadhaar cards and domicile certificates play a facilitating role in the alarming surge of illegal entries.
Agartala, Nov 23: Tripura is sharing three sides of its border with Bangladesh, and has witnessed an alarming surge in the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas, facilitated by the use of fake Aadhaar cards and domicile certificates.
Despite efforts by the BSF and Tripura Police to detain individuals attempting illegal entry, some manage to cross using railways or roadways, often with fraudulent documentation.
Reports indicate that detained Bangladeshis in places like Bangalore, Pune, or Delhi possess forged domicile certificates such as Aadhaar cards, birth certificates, and voter ID cards. Interrogation reveals that many cross the Tripura border using the assistance of touts.
According to a senior Tripura Police officer, individuals from Bangladesh or Rohingya crossing the border create Aadhaar cards during camps organized in village areas of Tripura. Touts take advantage of these camps to facilitate the creation of Aadhaar cards, sometimes using the IDs of deceased individuals.
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The officer revealed that the cost of obtaining an Indian domicile for an illegal Bangladeshi typically ranges from Rs 7000 to Rs 20000.
Recently, the District Magistrate of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar, initiated an inquiry into suspected cases of fraudulent Aadhaar Card and Permanent Resident of Tripura Certificate (PRTC) issuance. Discrepancies were found during the review, with individuals falsely claiming residency in Tripura while residing outside the state.
The West Tripura District, sharing a significant border portion with Bangladesh, identified brokers engaged in producing fake Aadhaar cards and PRTC. An official inquiry has been launched to address the matter, with a warning of strict action against any official or non-official entity found involved.
The National Investigation Agency’s recent drive in Tripura led to the detention of over 20 Indian touts. However, some remain active, contributing to the ongoing issue of infiltration. In the past weeks, more than 30 Bangladeshi nationals have been detained in various parts of the state, with a focus on the Sepahijala District and South District as major infiltration points.
BSF officials highlight the use of unfenced areas for border crossing, with individuals seeking work in Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, contributing to the persistent challenge of illegal infiltration.
