JAMMU: Police have detained 17 Bangladeshi nationals, including four minor children, in Banihal area of Ramban district for allegedly entering India illegally without valid passports, visas or other travel documents.
According to police, the group was intercepted at around 8 pm on August 1 during routine security checking for the Shri Amarnath Yatra at Truck Yard Banihal.
A police team stopped two Tavera vehicles bearing registration numbers JK13B-8382 and JK18E-3396. The vehicles were being driven by Ashiq Hussain Wani and Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, respectively.
During preliminary questioning, the occupants were unable to establish their identities or provide details about their places of residence. Police said they were speaking a language that could not be understood by the checking personnel.
As no interpreter was available at night, the intercepted persons were accommodated safely at the Yatra Shed in Banihal.
An interpreter was arranged on August 2, following which the individuals were questioned in detail. The inquiry reportedly revealed that they were Bangladeshi nationals who had allegedly crossed the International Border illegally and entered India without valid passports, visas or other documents authorising their entry or stay.
Four minor children were accompanying their mothers, police said.
The detained persons were identified as Imran Ahmed, Mustaqim Ahmed, Shuhag Ahmed, Rabia Begum, Leeza Begum, Aqlima Begum, Mohammad Allauddin, MD Ayas Ali, Suhel Mia, Rahim-ud-Din, Mohammad Alamgir Hussain, Mohammad Rayhan Ahmed, Kawsar Ahmed, Rezaul Karim, Rasil Ahmed, Shahajuddin Ahmed and MD Jamal Miah.
Police have registered FIR No. 164/2026 under Sections 3 and 21 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, at Police Station Banihal.
The investigation has been entrusted to SHO Banihal Inspector Ashiq Hussain Lone for further inquiry and necessary legal action.
