Four Individuals Repatriated from Bangladesh to India After Alleged Deportation

In a significant development, four residents from the Birbhum district of West Bengal, who were reportedly compelled to enter Bangladesh in June 2025, have been successfully brought back to Indian soil. This return, confirmed by local villagers, marks a crucial moment in an ongoing saga that has raised questions about citizenship and the rights of individuals caught in cross-border tensions.

The individuals involved include Sunali Khatun, her husband Danish Sheikh, and their son, alongside another woman named Sweety Bibi and her two sons. These families were taken into custody in the national capital of Delhi and subsequently sent across the border. They have consistently maintained their claim of belonging to the Birbhum district, emphasizing their ties to the region.

The repatriation of Khatun and her son Sabir occurred back in December on humanitarian grounds, as Khatun was pregnant at the time. The latest return happened on a Wednesday when Danish Sheikh, Bibi, and her two sons were allowed to enter India through the Mahadipur border crossing located in Malda district. This development has brought a sense of relief to their families and the local community.

This case has been under close scrutiny, especially following a Supreme Court hearing in May, where the Union government assured the court that they would facilitate the return of these individuals to verify their citizenship status. The Supreme Court’s intervention was prompted by a challenge against a Calcutta High Court ruling that annulled the deportation order regarding the six individuals. In its ruling, the High Court mandated that they be returned to West Bengal within a four-week timeframe, responding to a petition filed by Khatun’s father, Bhodu Sekh.

The ongoing situation reflects larger concerns regarding migrant rights and the legal complexities that arise in cases of alleged forced deportations. As the local government continues to navigate these issues, the repatriation of these four individuals serves as a critical reminder of the need for humane treatment and due process in matters of citizenship.

Source: scroll.in