A Rohingya couple and five minors were detained near Hilara railway station in Cachar district (Assam, India) on Saturday evening for allegedly attempting to enter Bangladesh illegally.
After their “suspicious behaviour” raised alarm, locals and VDP members in the Katigorah constituency apprehended the group.
According to reports, the group hired an autorickshaw from Hilara railway station with the intention of travelling to Kalain. However, their inconsistent behaviour and inability to clearly specify their destination prompted locals to alert the police.
Police arrived at the scene and questioned the group. They initially claimed to be from Delhi but failed to provide details about their identity or destination. The autorickshaw used by the detainees was seized as evidence. Police transferred the group from Katigorah to Silchar Sadar police station for further investigation.
Speaking to media, SP (Cachar) Numal Mahatta said the group was living in Jammu and Kashmir and were in India illegally for some time. Mahatta added that they were likely attempting to enter Bangladesh via the border, a route reportedly exploited by Rohingya to return to their homeland.
Sources indicate that Rohingya individuals living in India have frequently use such routes to attempt re-entry into Bangladesh, with several apprehensions in recent years.
