India pushes back 2,200 labelling as ‘Bangladeshi’ in 2025

Delhi Police have pushed back at least 2,200 people to Bangladesh in 2025 alone after labelling them as “Bangladeshi infiltrators,” according to a report by The Times of India.

According to the report, the numbers mark a staggering jump from previous years—just 14 people were sent back in 2024 and five in 2023—turning this year’s figure into an unprecedented surge.

Analysts say the sharp rise signals a deliberate and aggressive enforcement drive rather than routine immigration control.

The campaign follows directives from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to identify and deport illegal immigrants. However, Delhi Police have not provided documentary proof confirming the Bangladeshi citizenship of those pushed across the border.

The action follows directives from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to identify and deport illegal immigrants. However, police have not confirmed documentary proof of Bangladeshi citizenship for those sent back.

Authorities claim the individuals were using forged Aadhaar cards, voter IDs and other documents. Critics allege that Bengali-speaking Indian Muslims are being wrongly targeted and forcibly pushed across the border, citing incidents from West Bengal and Assam.

One widely cited case involves Sonali Khatun from Birbhum, who—despite holding valid Aadhaar documents—was pushed into Bangladesh while pregnant. After months of hardship, an Indian court ruled she was an Indian citizen, allowing her return earlier this month.

Another case from Assam’s Nalbari district involved Sakina Bibi, who resurfaced in Dhaka weeks after going missing, raising serious questions about due process.

Human rights experts warn the drive has left many facing identity uncertainty and accuse the government of using the “infiltration” issue for political ends.