Muslim fish trader from West Bengal detained and sent to Bangladesh despite Indian documents
Police in Raiganj took Abdul Barek, a 43-year-old fish trader with an Indian passport and voter ID, to Bangladesh, ignoring his legal documents.
In June, Raiganj police seized Abdul Barek, a 43-year-old Muslim fish trader from Gopalpur village, alleging he was an undocumented Bangladeshi immigrant. The family points out that Barek’s name was listed on the special intensive revision electoral roll and that he voted in the May Assembly elections, and he also holds a 2021 Indian passport, documents the police reportedly ignored. After an initial release following document verification, he was re-detained about two weeks later, moved to a detention camp, and subsequently taken to Bangladesh without any presented evidence of his citizenship status.
His son reports that the family has been unable to locate him for over two and a half months, causing severe financial and emotional strain. Human-rights group Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha has filed a complaint seeking clarification of Barek’s whereabouts and legal recourse. The incident highlights concerns over due-process violations in the state’s recent crackdown on alleged undocumented migrants.
Why it matters
The case raises serious questions about due process and the treatment of citizens accused of illegal immigration.
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