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In a late-night operation on Tuesday (July 8), the Powai police apprehended a 54-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant for illegally residing in India. The accused, identified as Alam Hakamal Sheikh, was arrested following a tip-off received by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), said police.

Acting on intelligence received around 9.30 pm on Tuesday, Assistant Police Inspector (API) Suyakant Paratkar led a team comprising constables and informants to set up a surveillance operation. By 10.50 pm, the suspect was spotted and apprehended after he failed to provide any valid documentation supporting his legal entry or stay in India.

Police said Sheikh was found in possession of several fake identification documents, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and a voter ID card, all allegedly procured using fraudulent means. Police also seized two Bangladeshi ID cards, purportedly belonging to his relatives. A mobile phone was also seized, containing multiple contacts with Bangladeshi international dialling codes, further affirming suspicions about his foreign origin. Forensic analysis of the device confirmed active communication with individuals in Bangladesh.

During questioning, Sheikh admitted to entering India illegally via land routes, bypassing official border checks and immigration protocols. He claimed poverty and the need for employment drove him to cross the border unlawfully. The accused is currently in custody and has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Foreigners Act, and the Passport Act, a police officer said. Powai police said that they have registered the case and begun a deeper investigation into potential accomplices and document-forging networks that may have facilitated the accused’s illegal stay.