Khar Police Arrest Six Bangladeshi Nationals Near Bandra Traffic Chowki
The Khar police's Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) arrested six Bangladeshi nationals, including three women, near the Bandra Traffic Chowki on SV Road on September 29. The individuals were detained around 3:00 PM after officers noticed them behaving suspiciously. An officer recognised several members of the group from previous enforcement actions against illegal immigration, and authorities confirmed that four of the six had been deported to Bangladesh in the past.
Following the detention, deportation proceedings were initiated against five of the individuals, while a criminal case was registered against 35-year-old Iqbal Akbarali Shaikh, also known as Gautam Sunil Datta. Shaikh was booked under Section 24 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, for allegedly facilitating their illegal entry into India, arranging their accommodation, and assisting them in securing local employment.
The other five individuals arrested alongside Shaikh were identified as Rana Molla Imdadul Molla, 20, alias Rana Shah; Samim Mizanur Sardar, 25, alias Raju Narendra; Mosamod Munjila Khatun, 23, alias Sila Sardar alias Riya Datta; Mafuja Akthar Lima, 25, alias Kavita Shah; and Halima Akthar, 26, alias Monica Datta. Investigators recovered photocopies of Bangladeshi identity documents and a birth certificate from the group, and also seized four mobile phones valued at Rs 5,000 each.
During police questioning, Shaikh allegedly stated that he had been travelling between Bangladesh and India for approximately five years. Departmental records showed that he was already out on bail in connection with an earlier case involving alleged illegal entry and unauthorized stay in the country.
According to investigators, Halima Akthar stated that she had entered India roughly six months ago with Shaikh's assistance. The remaining four individuals reportedly told police that they crossed the border on September 20 without valid travel documents after paying Shaikh, whose associates coordinated their transit into the country.
Police said Shaikh subsequently connected the group with local agents who arranged accommodation for them at the Golden Nest and Geeta Sarovar buildings in Bhayandar. While residing there without valid passports or visas, they were allegedly employed in the area as domestic workers, labourers, and beauty parlour staff.
In addition to initiating deportation proceedings against the five individuals, police are seeking official orders to restrict their movements until they can be repatriated. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mumbai Crime) Raj Tilak Roshan stated that 1,066 Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally had been deported up to the end of August 2026, compared to 1,061 in 2025 and 164 in 2024. He added that Mumbai Police have registered 658 cases and arrested 995 individuals residing illegally in the city since 2024.
