Authorities detained two men outside Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Sunday after a taxi driver raised suspicion about their identity.
The duo tried to hire a taxi; however, they gave inconsistent answers when asked about their details and destination. As a result, the driver alerted nearby people, who quickly confronted the men. Locals then handed them over to the Airport Police Station. Police immediately began verifying their identities and initiated necessary action.
Meanwhile, the incident gained importance in the context of Odisha’s ongoing campaign against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Acting on directives from both the state and central governments, Odisha Police intensified efforts to identify and deport such individuals.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly that authorities identified 51 illegal Bangladeshi nationals in the state, and officials deported 49 of them. Furthermore, officials continue checking documents of thousands of suspected individuals across districts, particularly in coastal regions such as Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Malkangiri, where infiltration cases occur more frequently.
Additionally, local residents welcomed the vigilance and noted that such alertness helps Odisha avoid challenges similar to those faced in neighbouring states. Police stated that investigations remain ongoing and emphasised that if the detained men prove to be illegal entrants, they will face legal action.
Consequently, the incident highlights the seriousness of national security concerns and underscores the crucial role of ordinary citizens in assisting enforcement agencies.
