West Bengal Orders Holding Centres for Deportation of Undocumented Migrants
The BJP-led West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has ordered all districts to establish holding centres for undocumented Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants awaiting deportation. This follows a 'detect, delete, and deport' policy and Union home ministry guidelines. Exemptions apply to those covered by the Citizenship Amendment Act. The move has sparked rights concerns over profiling and due process, as authorities begin crackdowns near the Bangladesh border, including at Hakimpur checkpost.
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West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says 4,800 illegal infiltrators deported to Bangladesh
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on June 7, 2026, that 4,800 'illegal infiltrators' from Bangladesh have been deported over the past month. Speaking at a BJP event, he stated that holding centres have been set up in border districts, with 836 individuals awaiting deportation. Adhikari criticized previous administrations for treating infiltrators as 'guests' and emphasized his government's policy of 'detect, delete and deport.' He also noted that about 100 km of land has been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing, prioritizing the strategic 'Chicken Neck' area. West Bengal shares a 2,216 km border with Bangladesh, of which 556 km remains unfenced.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Hundreds gather near West Bengal’s Hakimpur border as BJP government begins crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi migrants
On May 27, 2026, around 250 men, women, and children gathered at the Hakimpur checkpost in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, as authorities began enforcing a crackdown on undocumented Bangladeshi migrants under the BJP government's 'detect, delete, deport' policy. A Bangladeshi migrant mechanic from Howrah stated he was leaving due to lack of work and inability to stay. BJP MP Khagen Murmu confirmed that some migrants have been deported, others are being traced, and holding centres will be used as designated facilities for illegal immigrants, as promised in the BJP manifesto. The West Bengal government has directed all district magistrates to set up holding centres for apprehended foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, following Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines. The directive, issued on May 23, instructs authorities to act per the MHA framework for deporting Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas residing illegally in India.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal Government Orders Districts to Set Up Holding Centres for Detained Illegal Foreigners
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has directed all district magistrates to establish holding centres for detained illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. This follows the Chief Minister's announcement of a new 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting illegal infiltrators, particularly those not covered by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The directive aligns with a May 2025 Union Ministry of Home Affairs order requiring states to identify and verify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar (Rohingyas) within 30 days, set up district-level holding centres, and capture biometrics for deportation. The move comes amid heightened political focus on border security ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with the BJP accusing the previous Trinamool Congress government of hindering border fencing. West Bengal shares a 2,216-km border with Bangladesh, of which about 550 km remains unfenced; the state recently handed over land for 27 km of new fencing.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.India Orders Detention Centres in West Bengal for Undocumented Migrants, Sparking Rights Concerns
The Indian government has ordered the establishment of detention centres in West Bengal for undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees. The directive instructs local authorities to set up 'holding centres' for 'apprehended foreigners' pending deportation, part of a broader crackdown on illegal migration under the BJP's border control policies. The government defends the measure as necessary for security and socio-economic reasons. However, the move has sparked anxiety among minority communities, particularly Muslims, who fear profiling and collective suspicion. Human rights advocates warn of potential arbitrary detentions and deportations without due process, citing similar measures in Assam that faced legal scrutiny. Humanitarian organizations criticize the inclusion of Rohingya refugees, urging India to uphold international protections. The policy follows the BJP's recent political gains in West Bengal, with analysts viewing it as reflecting the party's national stance on migration control. Opposition leaders and civil society groups call for transparency and legal safeguards.
Daily TimesWest Bengal Orders Holding Centres for Alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya Migrants Awaiting Deportation
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has ordered the establishment of 'holding centres' across the state for alleged undocumented immigrants and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. The directive, issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department to district magistrates and police, follows Union home ministry guidelines on deporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya individuals found staying in India without proper documents. Adhikari had previously announced a 'detect, delete, and deport' strategy, stating that those covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act are safe, while others will be arrested and handed over to the Border Security Force. The government also approved land transfer for border fencing with Bangladesh. The order is part of broader national efforts under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which consolidated several older laws governing foreign nationals in India.
Scroll.inWest Bengal Orders Holding Centres for Bangladeshis and Rohingyas Awaiting Deportation
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has ordered the establishment of holding (detention) centres in all districts for Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals apprehended for illegal stay in India. The order, issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, directs state police, the Kolkata FRRO, and district superintendents to set up these facilities. The newly elected BJP government has prioritized illegal immigration, implementing a 'detect, delete, and deport' strategy. Those covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are exempt. Apprehended individuals will be housed in holding centres alongside released foreign prisoners, then handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for 'push back' into Bangladesh. The government has also allocated land to the BSF for border fencing and placed district police on high alert to identify illegal immigrants.
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