SURAT: Gujarat police have launched a major operation called Operation Delta against illegal immigration, leading to the detention and arrest of hundreds of suspected Bangladeshi nationals across several cities, with Surat emerging as one of the key centres of the crackdown.
The large-scale drive, carried out by Gujarat Police and various investigative agencies, is part of a statewide campaign aimed at identifying foreign nationals residing in India without valid documents. Officials said raids and verification exercises were conducted in multiple urban centres, including Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Vadodara, where authorities examined identity records and immigration-related documents.
According to officials, hundreds of people suspected of being illegal immigrants have been taken into custody during the ongoing operation. State authorities said many of those detained are believed to be Bangladeshi nationals who entered India unlawfully and later obtained forged or fraudulent identity documents to establish residence and secure employment.
Investigators are scrutinising documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards and other records allegedly used to create false identities. The verification process is being carried out to determine citizenship status and establish whether the individuals entered the country through illegal channels.
Surat has drawn particular attention during the operation due to its large migrant workforce and industrial hubs. Police teams conducted searches in several localities and questioned residents as part of efforts to identify undocumented foreign nationals. Officials indicated that further arrests could follow as investigations continue and more records are examined.
The Gujarat government has described the campaign as a security and law-enforcement measure intended to identify illegal residents and dismantle networks involved in providing forged documents. Authorities are also investigating whether organised groups assisted foreign nationals in obtaining fake identities and settling in different parts of the state.
State Home Department officials said those found to be residing illegally in India would face legal proceedings under relevant laws. After the verification process is completed, authorities are expected to coordinate with central agencies regarding deportation procedures and further action.
The operation is being viewed as one of the largest recent crackdowns on illegal immigration in Gujarat. Reports indicate that thousands of individuals were screened and questioned during the statewide exercise, while hundreds were detained for detailed verification. The campaign remains ongoing, with police continuing raids and intelligence-based operations in different districts.
Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with verification efforts and report any suspected cases of illegal immigration. The state government maintains that the drive is aimed at strengthening internal security and ensuring that all residents possess valid legal documentation. As investigations progress, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the number of confirmed illegal immigrants and any criminal networks linked to document forgery or unlawful entry into the country.
