Gandhinagar: Gujarat authorities have detained 424 Bangladeshi nationals under Operation Delta Hunt, a statewide enforcement drive aimed at identifying foreign nationals allegedly residing illegally in the state. Officials said more than 782 other suspected individuals are being questioned as investigators examine possible forged-document networks, local facilitators and national security concerns linked to illegal immigration.
Statewide Verification Drive Intensifies
According to officials, the operation was launched to identify individuals who allegedly entered India unlawfully and had been living in different parts of Gujarat. Authorities said the drive is focused not only on immigration violations but also on possible security risks linked to illegal infiltration and fraudulent identity documents.
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The operation is being carried out through field intelligence, technological surveillance, document verification and coordination among multiple agencies. Police teams have focused on areas with large migrant populations, rented accommodations, industrial clusters and locations where temporary workers are commonly employed.
Forged Documents Under Scrutiny
Investigators have identified several individuals whose identity documents are now being examined. Authorities are checking whether forged Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards and other government-issued documents were used to secure residence and employment within the state.
The probe has expanded to include suspected local facilitators, agents and networks that may have helped individuals obtain accommodation, jobs or fraudulent documents. Officials said early findings suggest the presence of an organised support structure that may have assisted illegal entrants in settling across Gujarat.
Authorities are also reviewing employment records, residential histories and financial transactions linked to the detained individuals. Rental agreements, worker registration records and other local documents are being examined to establish how long the suspects had been living in the state and who may have assisted them.
Legal Action Likely After Verification
During the operation, around 18 Bangladeshi nationals allegedly attempted to flee after learning about the crackdown and were apprehended by authorities. Investigators believe the attempted escapes indicate that information about the enforcement drive had spread among some groups.
Officials said individuals found to be residing illegally after verification of citizenship and documents will face legal action under applicable laws. Deportation proceedings will also be initiated wherever required under established procedures.
Authorities may also act against employers, landlords or others found to have knowingly provided shelter, assistance or employment in violation of the law. With Operation Delta Hunt continuing across Gujarat, investigators are focused on dismantling the wider network that allegedly enabled illegal immigrants to obtain forged identities, secure work and integrate into local communities.
