Chennai, July 17:
The Q Branch police have apprehended 73 Bangladeshi nationals, including women and children, for illegally residing in Hosur in Krishnagiri district, following a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
Police said the operation was carried out across multiple localities, including Onnalvadi, Gokul Nagar and Nallur Agraharam, where the presence of undocumented immigrants had been reported. The team conducted simultaneous searches, leading to the detention of 22 men, 23 women and 28 children.
Officials have launched a detailed inquiry to verify the identities of those detained and to ascertain the circumstances under which they entered Tamil Nadu. Investigators are also focusing on identifying possible human trafficking or illegal migration networks that may have facilitated their movement and stay in the State.
Preliminary investigations suggest the group may have been engaged in informal labour, though authorities are yet to confirm their occupations and duration of stay. The police are coordinating with central agencies to establish cross-border links, if any.
The detained individuals are expected to be moved to a transit camp in Salem, where further legal and administrative procedures, including documentation and deportation processes, will be initiated.
Security has been tightened in the region, and officials indicated that similar operations may be carried out in other districts based on intelligence inputs, as part of a broader effort to curb illegal immigration and ensure internal security.