Shillong, Feb 14: Altogether 14 illegal Bangladeshi nationals, mostly working as tailors in Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) while making attempt to cross the international border through Meghalaya.
Three Indian nationals were also arrested while accompanying and allegedly assisting them to illegally cross the international border.
In one incident, the BSF troops intercepted eight Bangladeshi nationals along with an Indian driver while he was driving them in an Innova via NH-217 in West Garo Hills.
They were apprehended near the international border while attempting to enter Bangladesh from India.
In another operation, BSF Meghalaya troops nabbed six more Bangladeshi nationals along with two Indian nationals near the international border.
These operations were carried out as part of BSF Meghalaya’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal infiltration and other trans-border crimes.
The 17 arrested persons were handed over to respective police stations by the BSF.
Upon interrogation, the Bangladeshi nationals told the BSF that they had been working as tailors and labourers in clothing companies at Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.
They said they had illegally entered India a few months ago and were on their way home in Bangladesh.
“These successful operations underscore BSF Meghalaya’s unwavering commitment to national security and its relentless efforts to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and infiltration,” a BSF statement said.
