On May 8, 2025, the Maharashtra ATS, in coordination with Pune Rural Police, apprehended two Bangladeshi nationals from Otur village. The duo had been living in the area by using fake Indian documents, including Aadhaar cards and other identity proofs, to conceal their true nationality and prolong their stay in India.
Investigations revealed that the accused entered India illegally, bypassing official border checks, and subsequently obtained forged documents to legitimize their presence. This method is increasingly common among illegal immigrants, who use fake Aadhaar, PAN, and voter ID cards to access jobs and basic services.
The two Bangladeshi nationals have been booked under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act and the Indian Passport Act for illegal entry and stay, as well as for using forged documents. Police are probing further to determine if they are linked to a larger network or racket facilitating illegal immigration in the region.
This arrest is part of a wider trend in Pune and Maharashtra, where several Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended in recent months for similar offenses. In October 2024, the ATS and Pune Rural Police arrested 21 Bangladeshi nationals in the Ranjangaon area for illegal stay and possession of fake documents. Similar operations have taken place in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Junnar, highlighting the scale of the issue.