Brahmajan, Assam, December 5: In a major security-related incident on Wednesday morning, residents of Brahmajan under Pengree in eastern Assam apprehended 32 suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals who had reportedly arrived in the area in a van while travelling toward Arunachal Pradesh.
According to local sources, the group had begun their journey from Laharighat in central Assam and was allegedly en route to a brick kiln in Arunachal Pradesh for work. Suspicion arose when the vehicle entered Brahmajan, prompting vigilant locals to intercept the group for questioning.
Eyewitnesses reported that the men were made to kneel as they were interrogated about their identity, travel route, and purpose. “We learned that they came from Laharighat and were going to Arunachal Pradesh. They also travelled by an ASTC bus before reaching here,” said a resident of Pengree. The group was reportedly accompanied by a man identified as Afikul Rahman, believed to be coordinating their movement.
Following the confrontation, residents handed the detainees over to Pengree Police, who have launched a detailed verification process. Authorities are examining identity documents, Inner Line Permits (ILPs), travel history, and any possible links to cross-border movement.
The incident comes amid rising concerns over illegal Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter Arunachal Pradesh using fake ILPs, reportedly facilitated by middlemen exploiting labour shortages in the neighbouring state. Intelligence inputs and police reports indicate that cheap labourers are often transported from lower Assam and other regions through organised networks.
Pengree Police stated that verification is underway and that legal action will follow based on the investigation’s findings. Wednesday’s incident has heightened security vigilance across border-sensitive zones in upper and eastern Assam as authorities work to curb illegal transit routes and trafficking networks.
