Illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are not only staying in Karnataka but also working with the civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
The revelations were made by the Republic Kannada on Monday (27th July), following a month-long investigation into the matter.
The news channel spoke to Bangladeshi infiltrators, who spent between ₹2000-₹20000 to illegally enter India via Assam and West Bengal and travel to far-flung Bengaluru.
They informed Republic Kannada that their illegal entry to India is facilitated by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), formerly called Bangladesh Rifles.
#WATCH | Republic's deep investigation cracks open Bangladeshi infiltration racket
— Republic (@republic) July 29, 2024
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Most of the infiltrators that the news channel spoke with belonged to Khulna city of Bangladesh. Some of the infiltrators came with passports and valid visas but did not return to Bangladesh.
Others paid ₹4000-5000 to BGB officials to cross the border illegally. The infiltrators took further help from agents based in West Bengal and Assam to spread out to other parts of the country, particularly Karnataka.
The illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are replacing the local workforce in the State in coffee estates and agriculture. They are also working as garbage collectors, rag pickers and delivery boys at 1/5th of the cost of their Indian counterparts.
“While Indian labourers typically demand Rs 1,000 per day, Bangladeshi workers accept Rs 200-300,” reported Republic TV.
#WATCH | Amid the raging demography change, Republic Kannada's deep investigation has exposed the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. In a month-long investigation shows how Bangladeshi cross the Indian borders
— Republic (@republic) July 29, 2024
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Some are even working with BBMP, opting for night shifts and odd jobs.
While reacting to the sting operation by Republic Kannada, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “I will look into that issue and get back to it.”
Home Minister G. Parameshwara pointed out, “If we find any illegal migrants, we will arrest them and deport them. This applies not only to those from Bangladesh but to any foreigner residing here without valid documents.”
According to estimates, there are about 4-5 Bangladeshi infiltrators in Karnataka. Some of them have voter IDs and Aadhar cards.
