Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced a special campaign to detect illegal immigrants, especially those overstaying their visas or lacking proper documentation. He mentioned that some foreigners enter India legally but stay beyond their visa expiration, prompting efforts to locate them with the help of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The minister highlighted concerns about Bangladeshi nationals, stating that the government is taking action following claims of a significant number of undocumented foreign residents.
Parameshwara addressed reports from the opposition alleging the presence of 20 to 50 lakh illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Karnataka. In response, the state initiated a comprehensive verification initiative to address the situation. The minister emphasized the importance of the ongoing search operations, particularly in Bengaluru, to identify individuals residing without proper authorization.
Regarding missing children in the state, Parameshwara assured that the government is actively addressing such cases, conducting regular reviews, and intensifying search efforts. Notably, police in Bengaluru launched a special operation targeting foreign nationals, including suspected illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Nigeria. Over 2,000 individuals were questioned in a single day, revealing instances of visa overstay and lack of valid documentation among some residents.
Authorities are scrutinizing various details during the verification process, such as the individuals’ origin, entry dates, responsible parties for their presence, and the status of their visas and passports. The operation aims to uphold law and order in the city, with potential collaboration with central agencies if needed.
