Delhi Police arrested ten transgender Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Delhi. The accused, who underwent gender transition to hide identities, were caught in Shalimar Bagh and Mahendra Park for violating the Foreigners Act and residing without valid documents.
In a major operation targeting illegal immigration, the Delhi Police have apprehended ten transgender Bangladeshi nationals residing unlawfully in the national capital. The arrests were made in three separate operations conducted by the Foreigner Cell of the North-West District Police. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that eight of the individuals were detained in the jurisdiction of Police Station Shalimar Bagh, while two others were caught in the Mahendra Park area.
According to senior officials, the arrests followed a series of verification drives and intelligence-based surveillance aimed at tracing foreign nationals living in India without valid documentation. The investigation revealed that the individuals were not only overstaying illegally but were also allegedly involved in activities that raised serious concerns regarding public safety and order.
“During the verification process, it was found that these individuals were living in India without valid passports, visas, or permits,” said a senior police officer from the North-West District. “They were engaged in begging during the day, while at night, they were allegedly involved in objectionable activities.”
Surveillance and Arrests Following Targeted Intelligence
The operation began after police received credible inputs about the presence of suspected Bangladeshi nationals near Haiderpur Metro Station and New Subzi Mandi in the Mahendra Park locality. Acting swiftly, the Foreigner Cell intensified surveillance and deployed plainclothes personnel to monitor movements in these areas.
Based on the gathered intelligence, a special team was formed under the supervision of Inspector Chaitanya Abhijit, in-charge of the Foreigner Cell, and overall guidance of Rajeev Kumar, ACP (Foreigners Cell). The team included Sub-Inspectors Sapan and Shyambir, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajender, several head constables, and women officers such as Head Constables Poonam and Deepak.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the police team conducted simultaneous raids in the Shalimar Bagh and Mahendra Park areas. During the operation, eight individuals were intercepted near Haiderpur Metro Station, while two others were apprehended near New Subzi Mandi.
Verification Exposes False Identities and Illegal Stay
During questioning, the suspects initially claimed to be Indian citizens. However, their inconsistent answers and nervous demeanour aroused suspicion among the police. Officials carried out detailed verification, including document checks, digital footprint analysis, and cross-verification with foreign records.
A deeper investigation revealed that the individuals were indeed Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally. Digital evidence retrieved from their mobile phones, such as photographs and social media content, showed multiple locations in Bangladesh. Further examination of their Instagram accounts also revealed connections with Bangladeshi profiles.
“Corroborating indicators such as online interactions with Bangladeshi entities, recovered ID cards, and geotagged photographs confirmed their origin,” police officials said. “Upon sustained interrogation, the accused confessed to being Bangladeshi nationals and even presented their Bangladeshi National ID cards.”
Use of Gender Transition and Disguise to Conceal Identity
One of the most striking revelations from the investigation was that all ten individuals had undergone Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS) to alter their physical appearance and identify as women. To further conceal their identities, they frequently dressed in traditional female attire such as sarees and salwar suits, applied heavy makeup, and used wigs to enhance their disguise.
“They had also trained themselves to adopt feminine voice tones and gestures to pass off as women,” said an officer involved in the investigation. “This was done deliberately to evade scrutiny and make verification more difficult.”
Violation of Immigration and Security Laws
Police officials confirmed that none of the arrested individuals possessed valid travel documents or visas required to reside in India. Their prolonged stay without authorization constitutes a direct violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, which mandates that all non-citizens carry valid permits during their stay in the country.
Additionally, the police are investigating whether any of the accused were part of a larger network facilitating illegal entry and residence of Bangladeshi nationals in India.
“The matter is being investigated further to identify possible links with organized rackets that assist illegal immigrants in obtaining fake identities and settling in urban areas,” an officer added. “We are also examining digital evidence to trace their contacts both within India and across the border.”
Broader Implications and Continued Vigilance
This case underscores the growing challenge of identifying and tracking illegal immigrants who use sophisticated means of disguise and digital networks to conceal their origins. The Delhi Police have stated that similar operations will continue in vulnerable areas where illegal foreign nationals are suspected to reside.
Authorities have also urged landlords and citizens to ensure proper tenant verification to prevent such instances. Police verification of tenants, they emphasized, plays a crucial role in maintaining urban security and identifying unauthorized residents.
| Also Read: India Unites in condemnation after attack on CJI B.R. Gavai |
The arrested individuals are currently being processed under relevant legal provisions, and deportation proceedings are likely to follow upon completion of the necessary formalities.
With growing concerns over border security and illegal migration, the Delhi Police’s recent operations reflect a renewed focus on identifying undocumented foreign nationals—regardless of the disguises they adopt to evade law enforcement.
