Mumbai: 450 Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in city detained this year

The Bangladeshi nationals detained by the Versova police in February. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Mumbai Police have detained around 450 Bangladeshi nationals, including 23 caught by the Versova police for allegedly begging at traffic signals and religious sites, since January 1. According to police sources, of the 450 people, around 224 have been deported. Many detainees remain in custody or detention centres pending legal clearance.

According to police sources, the 23 individuals were living in rented houses in Malwani, Malad. "On February 5, the ATC team of the Versova police, under the guidance of the DCP and Senior Inspector Deepshikha Ware, PSI Sachin Ugle, along with his team, cracked down on 18 people begging near Versova Dargah.

Based on information obtained during questioning, the police detained five more such individuals on February 18. "In this manner, the Versova police eventually arrested 27 Bangladeshi nationals so far this year, of which 26 have been deported," said a source.

Last year, 1061 Bangladeshi nationals living in Mumbai illegally were detained.

Police station-wise breakdown

As per records till March 27, detainees to be deported to Bangladesh are spread across these police stations:

Highest numbers Kurla (11), Bandra (10), Deonar (7), Powai (6)

Five detainees each Amboli, Nagpada, Oshiwara, Park Site four detainees Santacruz, Shivaji Park, Byculla, Trombay, Pantnagar

Three detainees Dadar, DB Marg, Dindoshi, Tilak Nagar, Wadala, JJ Marg, Sakinaka, Charkop, Colaba

Two detainees Antop Hill, Aarey Colony, Chunabhatti, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Govandi, Nirmal Nagar, Samata Nagar, Sewri, Vanrai, Nehru Nagar, Wadala TT, Kalachowkie, Bhoiwada, RAK Marg, Kandivli, Malwani, Shivaji Nagar, Malabar Hill

Single detainee Bangur Nagar, Dahisar, DN Nagar, Goregaon, Malad, Mankhurd, MHB Colony, Unit 11, Vikhroli, Khar, Kasturba Marg, Azad Maidan, Matunga, Tardeo

Phased deportation drive

March 27, 2026: 51 deported (31 from Pune, 20 from Navi Mumbai)

March 29: 44 from Mumbai scheduled; six stayed by the High Court

April 5: 50 from Mumbai, five from Navi Mumbai

Deportation delayed

Deportation in multiple cases has been delayed due to judicial intervention:

Amboli police case: Three detainees filed a writ petition; the Bombay High Court stayed deportation until the hearing concludes

Antop Hill case: High Court deferred deportation of one woman for a month

Chunabhatti incident: Deportation stayed till next date

Versova case: Sessions court stayed sentence; next hearing to be held on May 21, 2026