A police crackdown in Gurgaon targeting alleged illegal immigrants has left scores of Bengali-speaking migrants gripped by fear, confusion, and uncertainty. The ongoing “routine verification” drive—meant to identify Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals living unlawfully—has triggered widespread panic among slum dwellers and daily-wage laborers from West Bengal, many of whom now fear for their safety, identity, and livelihood.
“If We Speak Bengali, Does That Make Us Bangladeshi?”
Chavi Bibi, 39, stood outside a community center in Sector 40, now functioning as a ‘holding center,’ her eyes scanning for her husband, who has been confined inside for three days.
“I saw him briefly two days ago through a window. Then they shut everything,” she said.
The police picked up her husband during lunchtime a week ago. “They didn’t even let him change clothes. For three days, I didn’t know where he was. He called from different places—Badshahpur, Sohna, and Subhash Chowk—before finally landing here. They said he had two Aadhaar cards, but one was just updated for a bank account,” she explained. The couple, originally from the Malda district in West Bengal, has two daughters. Chavi works as a cook; her husband does odd jobs, including dog walking.
“We have all our documents. Even our sarpanch was contacted for verification. Still, they asked if we got married in Bangladesh,” she added, visibly shaken.
A police spokesperson confirmed that eight Bangladeshis have been identified so far and will be deported.
“Pura Darr Ka Mahaul Hai” — Migrants Flee Gurgaon
In a slum near Gada Market behind Nirvana Country, fear has spread faster than facts. Mehta Ali, 50, a migrant from Dakshin Dinajpur, said, “At least 150 people from our basti have already left for Bengal. I’m leaving with my family today. Nobody was detained here, but still—this atmosphere is terrifying.”
According to residents, officers showed up once around 2 PM on Tuesday. Videos allegedly showing beatings inside the holding centers have added fuel to the fire.
Farukh Sarkar, 26, whose brother-in-law has been in custody for nine days, said, “We came here for work, not to prove our citizenship. Now, we stay awake all night, scared.”
Others echoed similar fears. Dholu Mia, 42, said minor document errors are being treated as proof of foreign origin. “One typo, and they label us Bangladeshi. Our children have stopped going to school.”
“Domestic Workers Taken, Children Traumatised”
In Sector 28’s Yadav Chaupal area, Adam Ali, 38, was released after three days in custody. “We had Aadhaar cards, but they still held us. My wife cried all night,” he said.
Residents Tumpa Bibi and Mansoora Khatun said they haven’t had a peaceful night’s sleep since. “We are from Bengal, not Bangladesh. Why are we being targeted?” they asked.
Even residents from nearby housing societies are worried. One woman, whose domestic worker was detained along with her husband, said, “She has a differently abled son and can’t just vacate the city overnight.”
Police Deny Abuse, Say Protocol Followed
Defending the crackdown, Gurgaon DCP (Headquarters) Dr. Arpit Jain stated that this is an all-India exercise directed by the Union Home Ministry.
“We are verifying documents and contacting the relevant District Magistrates. Many have been released after verification. No one needs to flee,” he said, denying any complaints of mistreatment.
The police also insisted that CCTV cameras be installed in all holding centers and stations. “We’ve not received any formal complaints about violence from detainees or their families,” the spokesperson added.
Political Endorsement: ‘Let the Checks Be Thorough’
Gurgaon BJP MLA Mukesh Sharma defended the drive, citing national security concerns. “Rohingya have affected Gurgaon’s law and order. They build jhuggis, get fake documents, and multiply rapidly. The government is working based on intelligence inputs,” he said.
Asked about West Bengal migrants being wrongly picked up, Sharma said, “These are the Centre’s directions. We must trust the verification process.”
