Kochi, June 8 (IANS) In a major crackdown on an alleged illegal immigration network operating in Kerala, central agencies have arrested a suspected syndicate member along with nine Bangladeshi nationals during a joint operation in Kottarakkara in Kollam district.

The operation was carried out by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Military Intelligence as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal infiltration and the use of forged identity documents by foreign nationals residing in the state.

The key accused, identified as Mamtaz Beegum, is a native of Nishanbaria in Morrelganj, Chautabunia area of Bagerhat district in Bangladesh. According to investigators, Beegum allegedly played a central role in facilitating the illegal entry and settlement of Bangladeshi nationals in various parts of Kerala.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the nine Bangladeshi nationals arrested during the operation had been working at a scrap business in Kottarakkara that was allegedly being operated under Beegum’s supervision for the past three months. Agencies suspect that Beegum recently brought as many as 36 Bangladeshi nationals to different locations across Kerala, with many of them employed in scrap collection and trading activities run by her network.

Officials said Beegum had been visiting India from Bangladesh since childhood, along with her parents, and had allegedly been using routes along the West Bengal border for the past 15 years to facilitate movement between the two countries.

Investigators have further alleged that she managed to obtain Indian identity documents, including a voter identity card and a ration card, and subsequently established multiple scrap shops in Karunagappally and other parts of Kollam district.

Beegum is also suspected of having acquired three auto-rickshaws for use in connection with her commercial activities. During searches, agencies recovered several documents, including lease agreements, vehicle ownership records, and other papers linked to her business operations.

The investigation has also uncovered identity-related documents allegedly used by the arrested individuals. Agencies seized Aadhaar cards from the nine Bangladeshi nationals taken into custody. While most of the documents are under verification, officials found that two of the Aadhaar cards recovered were genuine. Bangladeshi National Identity Cards were also recovered from the accused.

Sources indicated that the role of certain local facilitators is also being examined. Investigators are probing allegations that a politician and some government officials may have helped secure voter identity and ration cards for Beegum. An Akshaya Centre is also reportedly under the scanner for its suspected role in facilitating documentation and identity-related services.

–IANS

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