The Maharashtra Legislative Council recently saw a heated debate between treasury and Opposition members regarding illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in Mumbai and other parts of the state. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab’s claim of being able to identify 2,000 infiltrators in two days was met with a strong response from Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam. Parab criticized the government’s response to the issue, emphasizing the national security implications of illegal immigrants residing in Mumbai’s slums and operating small-scale factories.
Referring to a case involving bogus birth certificates highlighted by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Parab questioned the authorities’ awareness of the situation and called for the establishment of a Special Task Force for thorough combing operations. Minister Yogesh Kadam, in response, urged Parab to share any specific information he had with the authorities for necessary action. He highlighted that under the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2021, 109 Bangladeshi nationals were deported, while in 2025, 2,376 infiltrators were expelled, emphasizing the government’s actions in this regard.
Kadam also mentioned the formation of special squads at police stations to tackle illegal immigrants, with search operations being conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Regarding the demand for a Special Task Force, Kadam stated that the government would consider its establishment if deemed necessary.
