Six Bangladeshi Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Kochi, Kerala

Investigation underway into whether a larger network is helping illegal immigrants settle in Kerala

Kochi (Kerala): On June 25, the Kerala Police, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and the Indian Navy jointly arrested six Bangladeshi illegal immigrants during an operation at Eroor, Tripunithura, near Kochi. They had been living illegally in two rented houses.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Medi Hasan (32), Mohammad Asim (39), Tariq (21), Sokhir (17), Mohammad Sohel (33), and Mohammad Mizan. They were engaged in collecting scrap materials for a living. None of them possessed the required documents or legal authorization to reside in India. Authorities are investigating whether a larger network is involved in helping such individuals settle in the state.

🚨 Kerala Under Infiltration?

6 Bangladeshi infiltrators were arrested from a scrap shop in Eroor, Kochi after police found fake employee documents during a raid.

❓Is an organised network helping illegal immigrants settle in Kerala?

With fears that thousands may already be… pic.twitter.com/LrPQpNyePg

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 27, 2026

A day earlier, on June 24, the Kerala ATS arrested 19-year-old Moshiur Khan alias Aman Khan. He had been residing and studying at the Shariyathul Islam Madrasa, which functions under the Karunagappally Puthenthervu Muslim Jamaat Mosque. Officials recovered forged Indian documents, including an Aadhaar card, ration card, and voter identity card, from his possession.

Fear That Thousands of Bangladeshi Illegal Immigrants

May Be Living in the State Over the past several months, reports have surfaced regarding the presence of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in Kerala. They have reportedly been engaged in activities such as running restaurants, studying in madrasas, and working as laborers.

Kerala is estimated to have 3.5 to 4 million migrant workers from 25 Indian states. In Perumbavoor alone, their number is estimated to be between 100,000 and 150,000. Many people in Kerala believe that thousands of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants may also be living among them, as the similarity in languages makes it difficult to distinguish between Indian nationals and Bangladeshi nationals.