West Bengal’s ongoing comprehensive voter list revision (SIR) has triggered panic among illegal migrants, with hundreds of Bangladeshis reportedly returning to their home country. Locals say many are carrying their children and belongings as they leave. North 24 Parganas’ Hakeempur BSF outpost has seen heavy foot traffic, with similar trends reported across South Bengal since the start of the month.
Shahin Bibi, an illegally residing Bangladeshi, stated that intermediaries charged between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 to bring migrants to India due to lack of work in Bangladesh. She works as a domestic helper in Kolkata, earning Rs 20,000 per month and sending money home. Many migrants also hold Aadhaar, voter, and ration cards, reportedly obtained through intermediaries, and some even voted in previous elections.
BSF officials said 150–200 migrants are returning to Bangladesh daily. Initially arrested by police, migrants are being allowed to cross the border due to limited space in stations and custody. BSF personnel are also providing food arrangements for returnees.
The SIR process has intensified political debates in the state. BJP leaders have accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of encouraging irregularities to boost its voter base and demanded the deportation of illegal migrants. They emphasized that the SIR aims to remove fake voters. TMC, meanwhile, questioned how foreigners are entering the state and pointed to the central government’s responsibility to strengthen border security.