3 Iranians arrested in Bengal while attempting to return home after years of living undocumented

Three Iranian nationals were apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Samsherganj border in Bengal while attempting to illegally cross into Bangladesh. The three men, who had been residing in India for almost eight years, entered the country using forged tourist visas and fake passports. They initially arrived in Delhi, where they stayed beyond the duration of their visas, continuing to live in the country through the use of fraudulent documentation.

After their arrival in Delhi, the three Iranians avoided detection by authorities by living under assumed identities. They took up various odd jobs, including working in catering services and garages, to support themselves. However, as time passed, their activities raised suspicion among local authorities, prompting them to flee Delhi and head towards West Bengal. Once in Bengal, they continued to live under false identities, taking on manual labor jobs.

While in West Bengal, one of the Iranians reportedly fell in love with a local woman, which heightened his desire to return to Iran. To facilitate their return, the three men sought the assistance of a broker who promised to help them escape the country. The broker assured them that he could arrange for their journey back to Iran via Bangladesh, using fake passports. The broker claimed that due to political instability in Bangladesh, border authorities would not scrutinize the authenticity of their documents.

The Iranians followed the broker's plan and traveled to the Samsherganj border, where they intended to cross into Bangladesh. Their plan involved using a river route to enter Bangladesh, hiding inside hollowed-out banana tree trunks, a method commonly employed for smuggling goods across borders. Upon reaching the border area, BSF personnel grew suspicious of their behavior and physical appearance, leading to their detention.

The BSF arrested the three men before they could proceed further into Bangladesh. Following their detention, the Iranians were taken into custody, and an investigation was launched into their illegal stay in India, their use of forged passports, and their interaction with the broker. Authorities are working to verify the full details of their fraudulent activities and connections. The BSF’s intervention highlights ongoing concerns related to border security, document fraud, and illegal migration. The arrested individuals are now facing legal proceedings under Indian law for their actions.