Dehradun: A suspected human trafficking network linked to a Delhi-based gang has come to light, allegedly bringing Bangladeshi nationals into Uttarakhand using forged documents.
Acting on a tip-off, Dehradun police raided a residence in Clement Town and arrested five Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, along with an Indian accomplice. The accused reportedly arrived in India fearing persecution following political unrest in Bangladesh last year.
Illegal migration and fake documents
According to police sources, the Delhi gang has been systematically transporting Bangladeshis from Bengal to Bihar and then Delhi, before settling them across the country using fake Aadhaar cards. The main suspect, Alam Khan, a Delhi-based contractor, allegedly facilitated the illegal entry and employment of these individuals. He remains at large, prompting an intensive manhunt involving local intelligence units (LIU) and Special Operations Group (SOG) teams.
During the raid, authorities discovered that Munir Chandra Roy, one of the detained individuals, had previously visited Dehradun multiple times. The group had found work at various locations, including the Harrawala Cancer Hospital construction site. Their fake identification documents had Bihar and West Bengal addresses, raising concerns about widespread document forgery in border regions.
Verification drive intensified
Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh confirmed that a verification campaign is underway in both urban and rural areas to identify further illegal immigrants. Intelligence reports suggest that operatives of the Delhi gang have also infiltrated border districts of Bihar and Bengal, where they specialize in creating counterfeit Aadhaar cards to aid smuggling networks.
The arrested individuals were presented in court and sent to jail, while deportation proceedings are being initiated. The Indian accomplice, Pooja Rani, was also apprehended for assisting their stay. Meanwhile, their minor children have been placed in a shelter home under protective care.
Crackdown on smuggling networks
With authorities suspecting a nationwide human trafficking operation, investigations have been expanded beyond Uttarakhand. Police teams have been dispatched to Delhi to track down Alam Khan and other suspects believed to be facilitating the smuggling ring. Ajay Singh assured that verification drives will continue with strict scrutiny of migrant workers in Uttarakhand, and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity.
