5 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Gomati ahead of PM’s Tripura visit

Tripura police on Thursday detained five Bangladeshi nationals in Gomati district for allegedly crossing into India illegally, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the state on September 22. The arrests, carried out near Maharani in the Udaipur subdivision, have raised security concerns and intensified the spotlight on border management along the Indo-Bangla frontier. According to district police officials, the group was apprehended during a routine patrol by security forces who noticed suspicious movement near the outskirts of a tea garden. On questioning, the individuals failed to produce valid documents or provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence in Indian territory. They were immediately taken into custody and shifted to the Maharani police station for interrogation. “Preliminary investigations suggest that they entered Tripura without valid travel permits. Their exact purpose of visit and whether they had any local contacts is being verified,” a senior police officer said. He added that intelligence agencies had been alerted and the state’s Anti-Infiltration Unit was assisting in the inquiry. The arrests come at a sensitive time, with Prime Minister Modi expected to visit Tripura in three days to inaugurate several development projects and offer prayers at the revered Matabari temple in Udaipur. Security agencies have already been on high alert, carrying out area domination exercises, road sanitization, and surveillance in districts along the Prime Minister’s route. The detention of foreign nationals so close to the event has only heightened the vigilance. Tripura, which shares an 856-kilometre-long border with Bangladesh, has historically faced challenges with cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and human trafficking. Although fencing along most stretches of the international border has reduced large-scale infiltration, isolated cases continue to be reported. Security experts warn that such incidents highlight the need for continuous monitoring and coordination between border forces. Local political leaders reacted quickly to the development. Ruling BJP spokespersons praised the police for their swift action, stating that it was proof of the government’s commitment to national security. “The arrests show that our forces are alert and determined to prevent any threat to peace, especially ahead of the Prime Minister’s important visit,” a party leader said. The opposition, however, raised concerns about the recurring problem of infiltration. CPI(M) leaders accused the government of not doing enough to strengthen border surveillance, while Congress leaders demanded more transparency in the investigation. “It is not enough to detain individuals. The government must explain how they crossed over despite fencing and strict patrolling,” said a Congress spokesperson. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Gomati and adjoining districts. Additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed, and entry points along the border are being closely monitored. The police have also increased checks on hotels, bus stations, and public spaces to rule out any potential security risks. Residents in Udaipur expressed mixed feelings. While many welcomed the police action, they also admitted to unease about the porous border and its implications. “This is not the first time such incidents have happened. We feel proud that the Prime Minister is coming here, but incidents like this make us worried about safety,” said a shopkeeper near Maharani. As investigations continue, the five detainees are expected to be produced before a local court under provisions of the Foreigners Act. Police officials said that deportation procedures would be initiated once the judicial process is completed and the Bangladeshi authorities are informed. With the Prime Minister’s visit approaching, the incident has reinforced the need for heightened alertness. For Tripura, balancing cross-border challenges with the celebration of a high-profile national visit remains both a test of governance and a reminder of its unique geopolitical position.