Cannot live like this, says West Bengal man detained again in ‘illegal immigrants’ drive

A 32-year-old man from West Bengal, Rafikul Biswas, found himself back in custody four days after a High Court ruling cleared him of being an illegal immigrant, according to reports from local media. The incident unfolded during “Operation Mukta,” a police initiative targeting undocumented migrants in Bengaluru. Despite a legal victory, Biswas was detained again on August 8, 2026, prompting emotional pleas to authorities. Biswas, originally from Nadia district in West Bengal, has lived in Bengaluru for 12 years with his wife and daughter. His troubles began when an unknown individual created a forged Bangladeshi identity card in his name, leading to accusations of illegal immigration. Over the past 11 months, he faced relentless harassment and threats of deportation, which culminated in two heart attacks. One episode occurred while he was in custody, resulting in his release on medical grounds and subsequent hospitalization at Jayadeva Hospital. Following a High Court decision on August 4, 2026, which deemed his voter card genuine, Biswas believed his ordeal might end. However, just days later, police from Bandepalya station detained him once more. Activists intervened, persuading officers to acknowledge the court's ruling, leading to his eventual release on the same day. Biswas worked as a school bus driver for a private institution before the allegations surfaced. He was dismissed from his job and now earns a living by collecting scrap. He expressed deep concern over the societal pressures faced by migrant families, particularly Muslims. In his home region, he noted that women are often restricted from leaving their homes without male accompaniment, and wages are unfairly low. The couple moved to Bengaluru seeking better opportunities for themselves and their child’s education. Now, they face daily anxiety, fearing discrimination based on their origin and faith. Biswas recounted how simply stating their place of origin, West Bengal, often triggers immediate assumptions of being foreign nationals, especially given his Muslim identity. He questioned why proving one’s Indian citizenship should be such a burden. “What does it take to prove that we are Indians?” he asked, highlighting the emotional toll of repeated detentions and the ongoing struggle for basic dignity. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by individuals caught in bureaucratic and social tensions. While legal mechanisms exist to resolve such issues, the reality for many remains fraught with uncertainty and fear. As Biswas continues to navigate these difficulties, his story underscores the personal costs of policies aimed at managing migration, raising questions about the balance between security and human rights.