Bengaluru Police Identify 62 Illegal Immigrants in Whitefield Drive

Bengaluru City Police identified 62 suspected illegal immigrants in the Whitefield jurisdiction during a special operation that uncovered a total of 105 undocumented individuals across the city, officials confirmed on Sunday. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that the identified individuals have been produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) alongside a report for further legal action.

According to official police data, the operation in the Whitefield jurisdiction involved 35 police teams screening 1,035 persons, resulting in the identification of 62 illegal immigrants. In a parallel effort within the Electronics City jurisdiction, 23 police teams screened 1,909 individuals, identifying 43 illegal immigrants. Police sources noted that document verification for additional individuals remains ongoing.

The police drive prompted criticism from civil rights and legal groups. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), the All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ), and others wrote to the Karnataka Director General of Police and the Home Minister, stating that the police action was "illegal and constitutionally impermissible."

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Bengaluru City Police clarified that officers identified and took the alleged illegal immigrants into custody in strict adherence to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Police added that similar operations will continue across the city as part of ongoing efforts to identify and take legal action against individuals staying without valid documentation.