Authorities in western Uttar Pradesh have initiated a major administrative and policing exercise aimed at identifying, verifying, and ultimately deporting foreign nationals residing illegally in the region. The move follows a high-level directive issued recently by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling for the systematic detection, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants across the state. Acting on the order, officials in Bareilly division have begun laying the groundwork for temporary detention centres and a comprehensive scrutiny process.

The Bareilly division—comprising the districts of Bareilly, Badaun, Pilibhit, and Shahjahanpur—has witnessed a notable presence of foreign nationals, particularly individuals suspected to be from Bangladesh, who are believed to be living and working in the region using forged identities. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary, who is supervising the multi-district initiative, has directed all district magistrates to establish temporary detention facilities where individuals identified as illegal immigrants will be held while their documentation is verified. Those conclusively confirmed as foreign nationals without legal status will then be deported according to established procedures.

Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals Under Scrutiny

Chaudhary noted with concern that a significant number of Bangladeshi-origin individuals appear to be employed in brick kilns, small factories, construction sites, and other informal-sector establishments. Many of them reportedly claim to be residents of Assam or West Bengal, and in some cases are even found in possession of Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, or other Indian identity documents. However, officials stated that their speech patterns, dialects, and mannerisms have raised red flags during routine inspections and earlier verification drives.

Given the complexities involved in distinguishing migrants from genuine citizens hailing from eastern Indian states, the administration plans to call upon linguistic experts from Tripura, if required, to assist with identification. Local Bengali-speaking residents will also be engaged to support the verification efforts. This combination of language expertise, community knowledge, and document examination is meant to strengthen authorities’ ability to detect forged identities and irregular migration patterns.

Field-Level Verification Already Underway

Ground-level checks have already begun in several parts of the Bareilly division. Police teams, local intelligence units, and administrative field workers are collaborating to revisit areas marked as “sensitive” during earlier surveys. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya stated that anyone found carrying fraudulent identification documents—such as counterfeit Aadhaar cards, fake voter IDs, or fabricated residence proofs—will face criminal charges in addition to the proceedings under immigration laws.

Authorities plan to cross-check individuals previously identified as suspicious during a large-scale verification drive carried out earlier this year. During that two-month operation, Bareilly police discovered numerous people living in slums, temporary shelters, and nomadic settlements whose nationality and documentation appeared dubious. At least ten individuals were confirmed to be Bangladeshi nationals staying in the district illegally.

The officer added that the new initiative is not merely a superficial sweep but a comprehensive review that will involve document analysis, biometric checks, and collaboration with central agencies as needed. Officials emphasised that the crackdown is not targeted at any community but is strictly focused on illegal immigration and document fraud, which they describe as serious national security and administrative concerns.

Recent Arrests Highlight the Scale of the Problem

A number of arrests in recent months have underscored the growing challenge posed by foreign nationals acquiring forged Indian documents to conceal their identity. In August, three sisters of Bangladeshi origin were detained in Bareilly’s Premnagar area after they were found living with fake Aadhaar cards and other forged paperwork. In another incident, a Bangladeshi national living under a fabricated identity was arrested after local authorities discovered inconsistencies in his documentation.

These cases revealed common tactics used by illegal immigrants, including claiming to be from Indian border states, adopting locally common names, obtaining forged rent agreements, and securing employment in industries with minimal verification requirements. Police sources said that employers often lack the resources or inclination to conduct detailed background checks, making illegal migrants susceptible to exploitation while simultaneously allowing them to blend into the labour force.

Administrative Preparedness and the Role of Detention Centres

As part of the ongoing crackdown, district magistrates have been instructed to identify suitable locations where temporary detention centres can be established. These facilities are meant to hold individuals whose nationality is under suspicion until authorities complete verification procedures in coordination with central government agencies and foreign missions. The centres will house detainees for limited periods and are expected to maintain basic amenities and monitoring systems.

Officials emphasise that the detention centres will serve as an interim administrative mechanism and are not punitive in nature. Once a person’s identity is confirmed and legal protocols are completed, the individual will either be deported or released if proven to be an Indian citizen. Establishing such centres, officials argue, helps prevent individuals from absconding during the verification stage and enables streamlined processing.

A Wider National Focus on Illegal Immigration

The Uttar Pradesh government’s intensified stance reflects a broader national conversation on illegal immigration, forged identification documents, and the security implications associated with undocumented residents. Several states have recently reported increases in the number of foreign nationals using fake Indian identities, prompting calls for stronger verification procedures, data-sharing mechanisms, and coordinated enforcement between state and central authorities.

In western UP, where migratory labour flows are significant due to the presence of brick kilns, sugar mills, and small factories, authorities believe that the recent crackdown may uncover a larger network of individuals who have settled in the region over several years.

Looking Ahead

The exercise in Bareilly division is expected to continue over the next several weeks, with periodic reviews by senior administrative officials. Authorities say that the goal is not only to identify illegal immigrants but also to curb document fraud, ensure better labour regulation, and enhance security oversight in districts that have seen rising concerns.

As the verification process unfolds, the state administration is preparing for legal, logistic, and diplomatic challenges that typically accompany deportation procedures. However, officials remain confident that the combined efforts of district administrations, police, and supporting experts will lead to a clearer picture of the scale of the issue and enable appropriate action in each case.