In a matter of grave concern related to illegal infiltration, touts on
the Indian side have been facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners into
Tripura by issuing fake Aadhaar cards or voter ID cards of deceased persons.
Subsequently Tripura, which shares an international border with
Bangladesh from three sides, has witnessed a tremendous rise in the
infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas.
Although many of them are being detained in the State by the BSF and
Tripura Police personnel, some succeed in trespassing into the State using
railways or roadways.
Multiple reports show that some detained Bangladeshis in places like
Bangalore, Pune, or Delhi possess domicile certificates like Aadhaar cards,
birth certificates, and voter ID cards. During interrogation, they divulged that
they crossed the border in Tripura using touts.
During an interview to a reputed media outlet, a senior Tripura Police
officer, on condition of anonymity, stated that Bangladeshi or Rohingya
individuals crossing the border make their Aadhaar cards in Tripura during
camps held in village areas.
“During different camps for making Aadhaar cards, the touts on the Indian
side take advantage of this for making Aadhaar cards. Some even use Aadhaar
cards or voter ID cards of deceased persons,” informed the police officer.
The police officer further mentioned that the cost of obtaining Indian
domicile for an illegal Bangladeshi begins generally from “Rs 7,000 and go up
to Rs 20,000.”
In recent days, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar
initiated a probe into a suspected case of fraudulent issuance of Aadhaar Cards
and Permanent Resident of Tripura Certificates or PRTC.
The investigation unfolded discrepancies during a review of Aadhaar Cards
and PRTC, with some cardholders deceptively claiming residency in Tripura.
Notably, these individuals were found to be living outside the State, despite
providing Tripura addresses on their official documents.
Dr Kumar mentioned that as the West District of Tripura shares a significant
portion of the border with Bangladesh, they have identified some brokers
engaged in making fake Aadhaar Cards and Permanent Resident of Tripura
Certificate.
“We have launched an inquiry within the office, conducted by a senior
official, to get to the bottom of this matter. If any official or non-official
entity is found involved in these activities, strict action will be taken,”
warned the District Magistrate while also informed the police regarding this
matter.
Though, the National Investigation Agency or NIA launched a drive in
Tripura lately and detained over 20 Indian touts, some more are still active.
In recent weeks, over 30 Bangladeshi nationals were detained in various parts
of the State.
BSF officials have stated that the majority of infiltration took place
from Sepahijala District and then South District.
“They use the unfenced areas to cross the border. They cross the border
to go to places like Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, especially in search
of work,” the official added.
NE Watch Desk
