Crackdown in Navi Mumbai: 653 Illegal Immigrants Deported, Biometric Records Tighten Vigil

Navi Mumbai: In a significant move to curb illegal immigration, the Navi Mumbai police deported 653 foreign nationals in 2024, including 639 African and 14 Bangladeshi individuals, following multiple operations across the city. The police have further strengthened their efforts by recording biometric data of the deported individuals to prevent re-entry through legal channels, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Amit Kale stated.

In December alone, coordinated raids led to the arrest of 16 Africans, the seizure of contraband worth ₹13 crore, and the deportation of 10 Bangladeshi nationals. Documents of 55 Bangladeshi nationals are currently under verification. Additionally, the police proposed blacklisting 569 individuals, of which 496 have been successfully barred from re-entering India.

The crackdown extended to monitoring areas such as Taloja, Kharghar, Ulwe, Vashi, and Koparkhairane, where many illegal immigrants reside. The authorities have appealed to residents to report any suspicious activities involving foreign nationals. Strict measures have also been initiated against property owners and estate agents who fail to register rental agreements and notify the authorities about foreign tenants.