Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has started a large-scale operation to identify and deport Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in the state. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced the initiative on Monday, emphasizing that no foreign nationals without valid Indian citizenship documents would be allowed to stay. 
Odisha Cracks Down on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants: Deportation Drive Intensifies


The decision comes amid growing security concerns following recent terrorist attacks, including the strike in Pahalgam. Authorities are taking strict measures to ensure that illegal immigrants do not pose a threat to public safety.  
As part of the drive, government agencies are coordinating with engineering firms and other businesses to check for illegally employed foreigners. Companies have been warned to stop hiring undocumented workers or face legal consequences.  
The focus on Bangladeshi immigrants increased after reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh last year. The issue gained further urgency after the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting authorities to tighten surveillance on illegal settlers.  

Pinak Mishra, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Special Task Force (STF), stated that new guidelines will soon be introduced to help security agencies identify hotspots of illegal immigration. These guidelines will include procedures for verifying documents, monitoring suspected areas, and establishing a reporting system to detect infiltrators. Private companies will also be encouraged to conduct stricter background checks on workers and report any undocumented foreigners.  
The STF is working with multiple agencies, including the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Railway Protection Force, and local police, to track illegal immigrants. Coastal areas are under strict surveillance to prevent unauthorized entry.  
The STF arrested 10 Bangladeshi people including 6 men, 3 women, and 1 child—for illegally entering Odisha in March. They are currently in jail awaiting deportation.  
Official records from 2021 show that 3,740 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were identified in Odisha, with the highest numbers in Kendrapada (1,649) and Jagatsinghpur (1,112). Other districts, including Malkangiri, Bhadrak, and Bhubaneswar, also reported significant numbers. Authorities believe the actual figure could be much higher now.  
To strengthen enforcement, the government has formed special teams at the block, tehsil, and police station levels, particularly in Kendrapada, Bhubaneswar, and Puri—areas suspected to have a high concentration of illegal Bangladeshi residents. The drive aims to ensure national security and maintain strict immigration controls.