Indian authorities have transported over 200 individuals, identified as alleged undocumented immigrants, from Vadodara, Gujarat, to states bordering Bangladesh for a "push-in" operation, according to police officials.
The group was flown out under heavy security on Thursday aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) Airbus A321 and is expected to be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for push-in across the Bangladesh border.
Officials from the Gujarat Police said the initiative began more than two months ago, with local authorities launching a drive to locate individuals believed to be living in India without valid documents, Indian media reports.
The detainees were housed in temporary holding centers before being moved to the air base in coordination with India’s Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).
A senior Gujarat Police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the individuals would be taken to states along the border—mainly in the Northeast and West Bengal—where the BSF will conduct the push-in procedure through designated land crossings.
"The Gujarat Police acted according to instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The BSF is responsible for the final operation at the border areas," the officer stated.
Although these individuals are being labeled as Bangladeshi nationals, their citizenship has not been independently verified. Past instances of such push-in actions have sparked criticism over the lack of due process and the risk of wrongful expulsion.
Bangladeshi authorities have reiterated that only verified citizens can return and that any such procedure must follow humanitarian standards and international norms.
The final phase of the push-in operation is expected to conclude in the coming days at official border checkpoints.
