Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government is preparing to launch a comprehensive state-wide drive to identify and deport Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the state.
The Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch has been assigned to lead the identification and verification efforts.
Announcing the initiative on Monday, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the process of planning and coordination has already begun.
He emphasized that non-citizens will not be permitted to stay in Odisha and directed engineering departments and private agencies not to engage illegal immigrants in any form of employment.
“We have held discussions with engineering departments to ensure no Bangladeshi nationals are being employed. Instructions have been issued to agencies not to assign work to such persons. The identification drive will begin soon and will be conducted across the state,” the Minister said while speaking to reporters.
He further stated that engineering agencies operating in the state would be required to submit detailed reports on any Bangladeshi nationals currently working with them.
STF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Pinak Mishra confirmed that preparations are underway.
“We are proactively working on identification and verification. The STF is coordinating closely with district police, the Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies. The drive will commence shortly,” he said.
