In Kottarakkara, Kollam district, central agencies, including the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Military Intelligence, apprehended a suspected syndicate member and nine Bangladeshi nationals in a joint operation targeting an alleged illegal immigration network in Kerala. The arrested key suspect, Mamtaz Beegum, hails from Nishanbaria in Bangladesh and is accused of orchestrating the unlawful entry and settlement of Bangladeshi nationals in various parts of Kerala. Preliminary findings indicate that the detained Bangladeshi individuals were employed at a scrap business in Kottarakkara under Beegum’s supervision, with suspicions that she had brought around 36 Bangladeshi nationals to different locations in Kerala for employment in her network’s scrap-related activities.
Officials disclosed that Beegum, who has been crossing into India from Bangladesh since childhood, allegedly utilized routes along the West Bengal border for over 15 years to facilitate cross-border movements. It is alleged that she obtained Indian identity documents, such as a voter identity card and a ration card, and established multiple scrap shops in Karunagappally and other areas of Kollam district. Beegum is also believed to have procured three auto-rickshaws for her business operations, with authorities recovering various documents, including lease agreements and vehicle ownership records, during searches.
The investigation also revealed identity-related documents in possession of the arrested Bangladeshi nationals, with Aadhaar cards seized from them. While the authenticity of most documents is being verified, two Aadhaar cards were confirmed genuine, and Bangladeshi National Identity Cards were also found. Authorities are now looking into the potential involvement of local facilitators, including allegations of assistance from a politician and government officials in obtaining identity documents for Beegum. An Akshaya Centre is reportedly under scrutiny for its suspected role in providing documentation and identity services.
