Overview

• The BSF deported at least seven West Bengal migrants to Bangladesh in mid-June after Maharashtra police detained them on unverified suspicions of illegal entry despite valid Aadhaar and PAN cards
• West Bengal’s administration, under Mamata Banerjee, collected identity documents and coordinated a flag meeting with BSF and Bangladeshi border guards to bring the workers home by June 17
• Detainees recount being threatened with guns and driven toward the border at night, with some suffering physical injuries and deep psychological distress
• Repatriated workers express fear of returning to cities like Mumbai or Delhi, citing potential for repeat wrongful detention and reluctance to seek out-of-state jobs
• The episode has intensified a TMC–BJP standoff, with the ruling party accusing the BJP-led states of targeting Bengali-speaking citizens in broader anti-immigrant operations