The arrested persons are Mohammed Mentdi Hassan, 25, Bokul, 18, Sujon, 18, Muhammad Ashim, 20, Babu Mundal, 35, Muhammad Sonal Rana, 30, Mohan Mundul, 32, Litun Mundul, 27, Amshid Ali, 30, Falash, 25, Muhammad Sahidul Islam, 20, Suzon Mundol, 30, Shubohoshan, 21, Shoriful, 50, Fajul Hasan, 30, Labu, 18, Robiul, 35, Mohun, 35, Sagar Islam, 23, Mithon, 30, Muhammad Shakkim, 26, Rajib, 24, Rofikul, 30, Muhammad Milan, 25, Muhammad Alif Ali, 23, Muhammad Ujjal, 27 and Muhammad Ashikislam, 32.

According to police, the arrested persons illegally crossed the India-Bangladesh border and reached West Bengal in January 2024. Later, they arranged fake Indian IDs with the help of agents in West Bengal and moved to Kerala.

“The arrested Bangladeshi nationals worked as daily wage workers. They were mostly hired by contractors. We have registered a case under the Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry to India) Act. Their arrest has been recorded. We are interrogating them and they will be produced before the court later,” a police officer said.

Since Janaury first week, Ernakulam Rural Police have conducted Operation Clean to trace Bangladeshi illegal migrants in the district. Till now 35 persons have been nabbed by Ernakulam Rural police. Kochi City Police arrested as many as six persons in a month time period. ATS is collecting intelligence about illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in the district.