Agartala, February 1:
Based on specific intelligence inputs, Tripura Police arrested five persons, including three Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian facilitators, at Kailashahar in Unakoti district for illegally entering India and allegedly attempting to travel onward to Chennai.
According to Officer-in-Charge of Kailashahar Police Station, Tapas Malakar, a plain-clothes police team was conducting surveillance at the Paiturbazar New Motor Stand area when they noticed a Maruti van and stopped it and started interrogation.
“Their behaviour raised suspicion and during preliminary questioning they gave inconsistent replies regarding their identity and travel plans. We immediately intercepted the vehicle and detained them for verification,” Malakar said.
Upon detailed interrogation, three of the detainees were identified as Bangladeshi nationals — Arman Hossain, Imran Hossain and Monir Hossain — all residents of Comilla district in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The trio reportedly confessed to having crossed the international border illegally to enter Indian territory.
Police also arrested two Indian residents, Faruk Mia and Abdul Qayyum of Rangauti, for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of the foreign nationals and arranging their onward travel to Chennai.
All five accused were brought to Kailashahar Police Station for further questioning. The Maruti van used for transportation has been seized as part of the investigation.
Police officials said the detainees are being interrogated to ascertain whether a larger network or human trafficking racket is involved in the operation.
“We have filed case against them. Interrogation is on and the accused will be produced before the court tomorrow after completion of initial legal formalities,” the police official confirmed.
Police are probing possible links and trying to identify if any others connected with the case.
