Kolkata Buzz vs Reality: No Evidence of Mass ‘Flight’ by Bangladeshis, Say Authorities
Kolkata/New Delhi: Viral posts claiming that Bangladeshis are “running away from Kolkata” have triggered widespread speculation, but official sources and ground reports suggest that these claims are exaggerated and misleading.
Kolkata Buzz vs Reality: No Evidence of Mass ‘Flight’ by Bangladeshis, Say Authorities.
In recent weeks, authorities across parts of India have stepped up verification drives to identify undocumented foreign nationals. As part of this process, individuals found without valid documents are being processed under the law, with some deported to Bangladesh through designated border checkpoints. Officials indicate that a number of people have also chosen to return voluntarily after these checks.
Security agencies along the eastern border have reported routine movement at legal crossing points, but stress that this should not be interpreted as a sudden or panic-driven exodus. “These are standard enforcement actions that happen periodically,” a senior official said, adding that there is no unusual surge linked to fear or unrest.
The issue has gained visibility amid heightened political debate in the run-up to the West Bengal Assembly elections. Illegal immigration has once again become a major talking point, with political parties raising concerns over border security and demographic changes. This has contributed to a perception that large numbers of migrants are leaving in haste.
However, multiple fact-checks have found that several videos circulating on social media are either outdated or unrelated to the current situation. Law enforcement agencies in Kolkata have also clarified that there is no evidence of any large-scale movement or panic among Bangladeshi nationals in the city.
Isolated cases of arrests for visa overstays or use of forged documents have been reported, but these are being handled individually through legal channels. Authorities maintain that due process is being followed in all cases before any deportation is carried out.
Experts point out that such verification drives are not new and often receive more attention during politically sensitive periods, leading to amplified narratives.
Overall, while deportations and voluntary returns are taking place as part of routine enforcement, there is no credible evidence to support claims of a mass “flight” of Bangladeshis from Kolkata. – www.forevernews.in
