Maharashtra: Thane police nab 227 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, hits 100% detection rate

Thane: The Thane Police Commissionerate arrested 227 Bangladeshi nationals in 2025 as authorities stepped up action against illegal immigrants living in the city without valid documentation. According to data from Thane City Police, they registered 116 cases against undocumented Bangladeshi nationals last year and cracked every single one of them, achieving a 100% detection rate. "The figures signal a sharp escalation in enforcement that officials say is driven by mounting concerns over national security and local law and order," said Thane police commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre.The crackdown gained fresh momentum following a high-profile incident in which a previously apprehended illegal immigrant was linked to the attack on a Bollywood actor. The case brought the issue of undocumented residents sharply into focus and prompted a tightening of surveillance across all police stations in the commissionerate.
Dumbre has since directed every station, including areas of Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and other parts of the city, to maintain heightened vigilance. "We urge citizens to verify credentials before renting property or hiring domestic workers," Dumbre said, warning that many undocumented migrants rely on local assistance to obtain forged govt identity documents.Authorities issued 284 restriction orders as part of the administrative machinery underpinning the drive. Of these, 271 deportation orders were successfully executed. Only 13 cases were pending end-Dec — a number officials expect to clear soon. Officials say enforcement will continue unabated. "Those found violating immigration laws will face strict legal action and immediate deportation," a senior officer said, adding that the pace of new registrations is expected to remain high as ongoing investigations mature. "The drive forms part of a broader national effort to identify and remove undocumented foreign nationals, with Maharashtra emerging as a key front in that push," said the official.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !