Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a high-level and state-wide operation to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing unlawfully within its territory.
The process, described as “firm and non-negotiable,” was officially confirmed by the state’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, who on Monday made it clear that no non-citizen will be allowed to continue staying in Odisha without valid documentation.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Harichandan revealed that preliminary discussions have already been held with engineering departments and other relevant administrative wings to facilitate the identification process.
Various agencies, especially those employing migrant labourers, are under scrutiny to verify the identity and nationality of individuals suspected to be living illegally in the state.
“The government has taken a strong stance. No foreign national residing without valid legal status will be allowed to stay in Odisha. The process of identification has already begun and will be carried out meticulously across all districts,” the Minister said.
In a strategic move, the Odisha government has designated the Special Task Force (STF) as the nodal agency to coordinate and supervise this mission. The STF is working closely with district-level officials, the coastal security forces, and other enforcement units to ensure the identification process is thorough and efficient.
Several coastal districts have been identified as hotspots where illegal settlements of Bangladeshi nationals have reportedly increased in recent years. These districts include Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam. In these areas, large-scale verification drives are being conducted to locate and document any illegal immigrants.
Odisha cannot afford to become a safe haven for people entering the country illegally. Such individuals, if allowed to stay, not only violate national laws but also may pose serious threats to the state’s security and social balance,” said an expert.
The government has directed all district magistrates, local administrative heads, and coastal protection agencies to extend full cooperation to the STF and provide necessary manpower and logistical support. The goal, officials said, is to complete the identification process in a time-bound manner and initiate deportation procedures under applicable legal frameworks.
This development follows growing concerns over the presence of undocumented foreign nationals across several states in India. Odisha’s move is being seen as part of a larger national strategy to safeguard internal security, uphold the rule of law, and ensure demographic transparency.
Once the identification process is complete, the government will initiate legal proceedings under the Foreigners Act and other relevant laws to deport those found staying illegally.
Pinak Mishra, STF DIG said, “As Odisha shares borders with West Bengal, which shares boundary with Bangladesh, we are keeping a close vigil as there is every possibility of infiltration, be it waterway or via road route.”
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