Bangladeshi family held in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Feb. 21. — The BSF intercepted a Bangladesh-based Hindu family at Muchia in Malda police station area last night. The family allegedly purchased illegal land in India and had been residing in Malda since 1991, officials said today. It was informed that after interrogation and collection of documents as proof, the BSF handed over the family to Malda police. “We have taken two Bangladeshi nationals in our custody based on the report submitted by the BSF. If found guilty, necessary legal action would be taken against them,” said Mr DK Mondal, SP of Malda. “The family came to India three days ago, to buy another plot near a local club. On receiving the information, we intercepted them,” said a senior BSF official. “We have released a woman, who is now residing with her relative here,” the official said. “Hundreds of Bangladeshi families have settled in Malda in a similar manner. The problem is not a new one. Infiltration has been increasing steadily,” a senior officer said. The officials also informed that one Mr Subodh Kumar, a resident of Bangladesh, had been doing business in Malda illegally. He had set up a shop in Malda, they said.