Shillong, Dec 11, 2025: A 35-year-old Ghanaian national was arrested in Meghalaya’s West Jaiñtia Hills district on Wednesday for allegedly trying to cross into Bangladesh illegally using a false identity, police officials said.

The man, initially identifying himself as Stanley Obayendo, later admitted during re-interrogation that his real name is William Addo Agyei, a resident of Kumasi, Accra, Ghana. He was intercepted by villagers in Nongtalang near the India-Bangladesh border, who then handed him over to the local police, West Jaiñtia Hills Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh said.

Visa Overstay and False Identity

Agyei had entered India on a medical visa in June 2025, valid for three months. He claimed to have applied for an extension but did not receive any response from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Recently, he had been instructed via email to report to the FRRO or the Banaswadi Police Station in Bengaluru. Instead of complying, he allegedly sought assistance from a tout, identified as Frank, who promised to facilitate his illegal passage into Bangladesh.

During interrogation, Agyei admitted to travelling under a false name and attempting to cross the border illegally.

Legal Action

A case has been registered against him for using a fake identity and attempting to exfiltrate from India, police said. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring visa compliance and illegal cross-border movements in the northeastern border regions.

Authorities are investigating the role of the tout and any possible network involved in aiding illegal crossings.