Bengaluru police crackdown on illegal immigrants, 15 detained; landlords demolish structures

Overview A routine Mane Manege Police verification drive conducted by the Hebbagodi police has led to the detection of alleged non-scientific garbage disposal practices and the identification of at least 15 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in labour colonies in the Hulimangala area , since January 4, 2026 . The crackdown has resulted in landlords demolishing illegal structures, displacing numerous families. Key Developments Detection of Illegal Immigrants: The police identified at least 15 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in labour colonies. Demolition of Structures: Landlords began demolishing illegal structures after issuing an ultimatum to occupants, resulting in over 60 families losing shelter. Fake IDs and Illegal Activities: The immigrants allegedly used fake identity documents, including Aadhaar cards , and were involved in illegal power tapping and garbage dumping into nearby lakes. FIRs Registered: The Hebbagodi police have registered five FIRs in connection with the case. Controversial Slogan: A migrant woman labourer was booked for allegedly raising ‘Jai Bangla’ slogans. Details of the Investigation Based on information gathered during the drive, the police detained over 15 alleged Bangladesh nationals who were allegedly living in the city for several years using fake identity documents. A senior police officer noted that illegal power tapping was also detected. Officials stated that the migrants were found dumping garbage into nearby lakes and water bodies and allegedly drawing electricity through illegal power connections. Residents' Claims and Counterclaims Several residents of the colony have denied the allegations, claiming they are Indian nationals from West Bengal and submitted documents reportedly verified by the jurisdictional West Bengal police . Shafiqul Mulla , a migrant labourer, stated that despite submitting valid documents, the police are asking them to vacate the premises. Police, however, maintained that the identity documents produced by the labourers were fake. An officer cited an instance where a woman claiming to be a native of Assam was unable to speak Assamese or name the Prime Minister. Legal Actions and FIR Details The Hebbagodi police have registered five FIRs in connection with the case and conducted door-to-door verification using mobile-based identification methods. Police have also booked landlords who allegedly rented out land and allowed the construction of sheds and houses for migrant labourers engaged in garbage segregation. ‘Jai Bangla’ Slogan Controversy The Hebbagodi police also registered an FIR against a migrant woman labourer after she was allegedly caught on camera raising ‘Jai Bangla’ slogans during an argument with local residents in Podu village of Jigani . The woman was booked under Sections 15, 196, 197 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Sunday (January 12, 2026) . Official Statements M. Narayana, DCP, Electronics City Division , stated that the drive will continue to identify and track down illegal immigrants and those who have been tracked down so far will be deported after the due process. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security) . It highlights issues related to illegal immigration, identity fraud, environmental violations, and law and order. The use of Aadhaar cards and the invocation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are also important points for exam preparation. Important Facts for UPSC The incident occurred in the Hulimangala area under the jurisdiction of the Hebbagodi police . The drive was initiated on January 4, 2026 . At least 15 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were identified. Five FIRs were registered in connection with the case. A woman was booked under Sections 15, 196, 197 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) .

Bengaluru police crackdown on illegal immigrants, 15 detained; landlords demolish structures

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Bengaluru police crackdown on illegal immigrants, 15 detained; landlords demolish structures

Bengaluru police crackdown on illegal immigrants, 15 detained; landlords demolish structures

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