Police Book Activists for Assaulting Two Bangladeshi Nationals in Chokkanahalli

On Saturday, the Bengaluru district police registered a criminal case against a group of right-wing activists for allegedly assaulting two Bangladeshi nationals in Chokkanahalli village, which falls under the limits of the Nandagudi police station near Bengaluru. The assault took place on Friday after the activists accused the men of residing in the area illegally.

According to police reports, the group of activists visited a local labourers’ colony in Chokkanahalli village on Friday. The activists claimed that several undocumented Bangladeshi nationals were living in the colony. During their visit, the group allegedly assaulted two men and recorded video footage of the confrontation. This footage was subsequently shared and circulated on social media platforms.

The two assaulted men were identified by the police as Bilal and Rafi. Following the incident, the police took both Bilal and Rafi into custody. They were subsequently handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for verification of their documents and further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that both men would face deportation if the verification process reveals they are staying in India illegally.

In addition to the assault charges, the incident has triggered an internal investigation within the police department. The right-wing activists alleged that undocumented immigrants in the colony were paying "protection money" to local police personnel to avoid action. The activists also claimed that they found the contact numbers of specific police officers stored on the mobile phones of the two Bangladeshi nationals.

The Bengaluru district police registered the case against the activists on charges of assault based on a formal complaint. At the same time, senior police officials took note of the bribery allegations against their own personnel and ordered an official departmental inquiry.

A senior police officer confirmed the investigation, stating that a departmental inquiry has been ordered into the allegations against the police personnel. The officer added that strict disciplinary action will follow if any wrongdoing is established during the inquiry.