Kozhikode, June 30 (IANS) The investigation into the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals who were found staying illegally in Mavoor town in Kerala’s Kozhikode district has widened, with officers of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) questioning the accused.

Investigating agencies are primarily examining how the trio managed to obtain forged identity documents and SIM cards, while also probing whether they had links to any organised network or other associates operating in the country.

The three arrested have been identified as Mohammad Wulahusain, Mohammad Hasan Ali and Mohammad Mehdi Hasan.

They have been booked by the Mavoor police for illegally entering and residing in India.

However, investigators believe the probe will go beyond the offence of illegal entry to determine whether the accused had any other connections or were assisted by local facilitators.

The source of the forged identity documents and SIM cards recovered from the accused has become a key focus of the investigation.

Police have seized their mobile phones and other documents for forensic examination to trace the origin of the documents and identify those who may have helped them procure these.

During questioning, the accused reportedly told investigators that they had arrived in Kerala only around 20 days ago.

Police inquiries have also revealed that before reaching Kalpally in Mavoor, they had been staying at Edavannappara in neighbouring Malappuram district.

Investigators are now trying to establish whom they met during this period, where they worked and who arranged their accommodation and other facilities.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the three were working as construction labourers.

Police are also expected to question those who employed them to ascertain whether they were aware of the men’s nationality and immigration status.

The three Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended late on Monday night after the Mavoor police conducted a raid at a labour camp housing migrant workers, acting on specific intelligence inputs.

Authorities have said the investigation is continuing on all aspects of the case, including possible local support networks and any violations involving forged documents and illegal telecommunications connections.

–IANS

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