Phansidewa, 23rd July: A Bangladeshi national was arrested near the India-Bangladesh border area in Phansidewa on Wednesday for allegedly entering India illegally. The arrested person has been identified as Saifuddin Apurbo, a resident of Noakhali, Bangladesh.
According to reports, local residents detained a suspected youth after noticing him roaming in the Dhaniya More area of Phansidewa. Later, police questioned him and took him into custody.
Police sources stated that the accused allegedly entered India illegally through the Meghalaya border and later travelled to Kolkata before reaching the Phansidewa area. As no valid documents were found in his possession, he was arrested on charges of illegal entry into India.
During the initial investigation, police learned that Apurbo allegedly worked as a political influencer for the Awami League. Police sources further stated that he was previously arrested for participating in protests on behalf of the party and allegedly entered India illegally fearing for his safety.
Police recovered a Bangladeshi passport, Indian and Bangladeshi SIM cards, and cash from his possession.
The accused was produced before the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court on Thursday. Phansidewa Police have started an investigation to determine whether he entered India only for safety reasons or had any other intentions.