Kollam police successfully apprehended a Bangladeshi national on Sunday, following an investigation into his unlawful presence in the country.
The individual, identified as 21-year-old Parimal Das, admitted to crossing into India illegally via West Bengal.
Further questioning unveiled that Das had acquired a counterfeit Aadhaar card, facilitated by local agents who provided a fabricated address.
Authorities confirmed that the agent involved in procuring the fraudulent Aadhaar card for Das has also been implicated in the ongoing case.
Charges have been filed against Das under pertinent sections of the Foreigners Act, alongside accusations of forgery.
Kollam ACP S. Shareef stated that Das, presently in remand, will be transferred to police custody for extensive interrogation. This aims to gather more critical information regarding other illegal immigrants in the region.
A comprehensive investigation into the matter is actively being conducted.
Das’s arrest occurred during ‘Surakshitha Theeram,’ a special inspection initiative launched by the Kollam city police.
This special drive specifically targets collecting thorough data on migrant workers involved in fishing and associated industries along the southern district’s coastal stretch.
According to an official statement, approximately 1,300 migrant workers have had their documents verified as part of this program to date.
The core objective of ‘Surakshitha Theeram’ is to establish a robust, centralized database of migrant workers, meticulously documenting their residential addresses, employment locations, and employer details.
To ensure accuracy, the initiative utilizes Aadhaar authentication and biometric technology. Furthermore, the project enhances coastal security by monitoring inter-State workers on fishing vessels and aids in identifying individuals with prior criminal records.
Following this significant arrest, police have announced their decision to escalate inspections along the Kollam coast in the coming days, aiming to uncover additional illegal immigrants.